Middle English Dictionary Entry
fǒunce n.
Entry Info
| Forms | fǒunce n. |
| Etymology | AF founz, CF fonz. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The base or stand upon which a dish, vessel, or utensil rests; also, the bottom of a vessel; (b) the bottom or bed of a lake or river.
Associated quotations
a
- (1365) Will York in Sur.Soc.475 : Unum ciphum..cum uno founce.
- (1398) Will York in Sur.Soc.4243 : J tassam..punchennd in le founs et in le coverkell.
- c1440 Thrn.Med.Bk.(Thrn)46/13 : Þu sall se þe stanes in þe founce of þe vessell þat þu pysses in.
- (?a1500) Invent.Lin.in Archeol.5311 : Item ij pelves de argento utraque cum j founz ad modum unius Rose deaurate.
b
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)113 : In þe founce þer stonden stonez stepe.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)1026 : Folde þeron a lyȝt fyþer, and hit to founs synkkez.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4130 : Þai flee as fast in-to flode & to þe founce plangid.