Middle English Dictionary Entry
graffe n.
Entry Info
| Forms | graffe n. Also craffe, grif(fe. |
| Etymology | OF graife, greffe, graffe stylus. For grif(fe, cp. MDu. greffie, griffie. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A graft, a cutting for grafting; also fig.; (b) a twig, branch, shoot; also fig.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)209b/b : A graffe [L surculus] þat is y-graffed on a stok turneþ..þe vertu..of þe stok in to his owne vertu.
- c1400(?a1387) PPl.C (Hnt HM 137)2.201 : So loue ys..the graffe of grace and grayþost [wey] to heuene.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)212 : Gryffe, or graffe: Surculus.
- (?1440) Palladius (DukeH d.2)5.38 : But first this graffes [vr. craffes] wel most comprehende.
- a1450 I have a newe gardyn (Sln 2593)11 : Þe fayrest mayde of þis toun preyid me For to gryffyn here a gryf of myn pery tre.
- c1450 Capgr.St.Kath.(Arun 396)2.1247 : Liche a gryf [vr. griff] am I,I-planted be god vp-on a old stok.
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)137.101 (v.2:p.383) : Ipolit .. took Petris leg .. and sete yt ageyn to his they, as yt had byn a gryffe [L surculum] into a stook of a tre.
- a1500(1413) *Pilgr.Soul (Eg 615)4.2.57a : Upon his braunche was imped a graffe þat was take from a free appiltre & a fructuows.
- a1500(?a1450) Treat.Garden.(Trin-C O.9.38)35 : The rynde of þe graffe & þe stok of þe tre Most acorde.
b
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)210b/a : Þe male [tree] haþ harder graffes [L surculos] þan þe femelle.
- (c1426) Audelay Poems (Dc 302)178/6 : Gaude! þat gracious graff þat sprong out of Iesse.
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)3.5091 : Ther stock was first contagious of nature, The griffes froward..Which..dide ther besi cure..ther fader to encoumbre.
- a1450 Castle Persev.(Folg V.a.354)2976 : I haue purchasyd holt & hay..goode gardeynys, with gryffys gay.