Middle English Dictionary Entry
galle n.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | galle n.(2) Also gal(e, gaul(e. |
| Etymology | WS gealla, A *galla a sore. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A sore on the skin, a gall; fig. tender spot, sensitive subject.
Associated quotations
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.940 : Ther is noon of vs alle, If any wight wol clawe vs on the galle [vr. gal], That we nyl kike for he seith vs sooth.
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)9.201 : On your diffautis, ye list nat for to bide; The galle touchid, al that ye set aside.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)185 : Galle, soore yn mann or beeste: Strumus, marista.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)1150 : Touch no man the galle.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)3564 : Geffrey had I-steryd, þat went so nyȝe the gall.
- a1500 As I walkyd vppon (Hnt HM 183)97 : Gula is a grevys gall; He rayvith my rest one my bed.
2.
(a) A stain, impurity; (b) worthless person; ~ of prophetes, the scum of the prophets; (c) evil, mischief.
Associated quotations
a
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)463 : Þenne loke what hate oþer any gawle [rime: sawle] Is tached oþer tyȝed þy lymmez bytwyste.
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)1060 : Swyþe hit swange þurȝ vch a strete, Wythouten fylþe oþer galle oþer glet.
b
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)1525 : Alle þe goude golden goddes þe gaulez ȝet nevenen.
- c1400(?c1380) Patience (Nero A.10)285 : Thaȝ I be gulty of gyle, as gaule of prophetes..Haf now mercy of þy man.
c
- a1425(c1333-52) Minot Poems (Glb E.9)20/66 : Gold gert all þat gale And made him rapely ride Till dede.
3.
A barren spot in a field, marshy ground [see Smith PNElem. 1.192].
Associated quotations
- (1200-1416) EPNSoc.10 (Nhp.)263 : Watergalle(s.
- (a1300) EPNSoc.17 (Not.)282 : Myddelgalle.
- (1327) EPNSoc.29 (Der.)729 : Watergalle.
- (1392) EPNSoc.19 (Cmb.)240 : Gaull extra Whiddon.
- (1403) EPNSoc.10 (Nhp.)263 : Janekynesgalle.
- (1450) EPNSoc.13 (War.)148 : Watergall.