Middle English Dictionary Entry
ā-per-sē phr. as adj. & n.
Entry Info
| Forms | ā-per-sē phr. as adj. & n. |
| Etymology | The phrase L a per se meant '(the letter) A by itself (makes a word)', 'a standing alone'. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Unique, outstanding; a prominent person.
Associated quotations
- a1500 Merch.& S.(Cmb Ff.2.38)39 : Y have ordeygnyd for thy levyng tenement, howse and londe; Thou schalt be an a-per-sey, my sone.
- c1530 in Rel.Ant.1 (Lnsd 762)205 : London! thowe arte of townes a per se, Soveragne of cities.