Middle English Dictionary Entry
gǒulf n.
Entry Info
| Forms | gǒulf n. Also golf, gulf. |
| Etymology | OF golf & goufre. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. gufere.
1.
(a) A deep cavity, abyss; fig. the belly; ~ of Sathanie, ?Satan's maw, the pit of Hell; (b) a whirlpool; (c) a large body of water.
Associated quotations
a
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)608 : He lauez hys gyftez as water of dyche, Oþer gotez of golf þat neuer charde.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)159 : J haue twey wombes..Of which yueresce is that oon seid, And that oother the gulf [F li Goufres] that to ete is euere redy.
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)341 : It be-hoveth hym to caste to the portes of the goulfe of Sathanye, that it be neuer seyn after.
b
- ?c1475 Direct.Sailing in Hak.Soc.79 (Lnsd 285)14 : And south-south-west of the Landes ende lieth the gulf.
- ?c1475 Direct.Sailing in Hak.Soc.79 (Lnsd 285)15 : Lisarde and seint Mary sande of Cille est and west, but beware the gulf.
c
- ?a1425(c1400) Mandev.(1) (Tit C.16)35/19 : The see Adryatyk, þat is clept the Goulf [Eg: Gulff; F goulf] of Venyse..departeth ytaylle & Grece.