Middle English Dictionary Entry
gọ̄k n.
Entry Info
| Forms | gọ̄k n. Also gokh, gouk, gauk. |
| Etymology | ON; cp. OI gaukr. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. yek.
1.
(a) The European cuckoo (Cuculus canorus); ?any bird of the family Cuculidae; (b) ~ pintel, cuckoopint (Arum maculatum); ~ sures, wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella); ~ flour, ?cuckoo flower (Cadamine pratensis), ?cuckoopint or wood sorrel; (c) as a surname; (d) in the name of a tower.
Associated quotations
a
- c1380 Vncomly in (Arun 292)291 : I ga gowlende a-bowte al so dos a goke; Mani si the sorwfol song it sigge upon mi bok.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)927 : Fore thare galede þe gowke one greuez full lowde.
- c1450 Alph.Tales (Add 25719)487/4 : Þe goke ansswerd hur & sayd v tymys, 'Cukkow!'
- ?c1475 *Cath.Angl.(Add 15562)56b : A Goke, a gotov: Cuculus; Curuca est auis que nutrit cuculum.
b
- ?a1300 MS Rwl.C.607 in Cockayne Leechdoms3.327 : Goukesures, Alleluia, payn cucu.
- c1440 Thrn.Med.Bk.(Thrn)73/19 : Tak celydoyn rote, & of gouke flores with þe leues, [etc.].
- a1450 MS Rwl.C.506 in Cockayne Leechdoms3.327 : Gauk pyntill, arum maculatum.
c
- (1198) Feet Fines Rich.I in Pipe R.Soc.2478 : Griffinus filius Geruasius Gokh.
- (1202) Assize R.Lin.in Lin.RS 22892 : Simon Gouc.
- (1219) Justice in Eyre R.in Seld.Soc.53271 : Alan Gok.
- (1276) Close R.Edw.I282 : Hugh Gauk.
- (1284) Close R.Edw.I291 : Simon Gok.
- (1324) Court R.Lan.in LCRS 4141 : William Gouke.
- -?-(1352) Reg.Freemen York in Sur.Soc.9645 : Simon Gouke.
d
- (1347-8) Acc.Chester in LCRS 59124 : [For roofing the] Goukestour, [the] Chapeltour, Daumoritour, [the great chapel, etc.].