Middle English Dictionary Entry
grappen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | grappen v. P. grapped & grapte. |
| Etymology | From trisyllabic forms of OE grāpian. Also cp. Nhb. gegræppde. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To feel of (sb.) with the hands; (b) to find one's way in the dark, grope; (c) to take hold of (sth.), grasp, clutch; (d) to experience (a spiritual state), feel.
Associated quotations
a
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)1544 : Ysaac wende it were esau, for he grapte him and fond him ru.
b
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Deut.28.29 : Þou shalt graspe [?Forshall & Madden: grappe] in mydday as ys woned a blyynde man to graspe [?F & M: grappe] in derknessys.
c
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)17141 : Put in and grappe [Göt: grape] mi suete freind; Tak ute mi hert bituix þine hend.
- ?c1450 Knt.Tour-L.(Hrl 1764)139/22,34 : They founde a foule orible tode within her body, that grapped her herte with her pawes..Whan thou herdest her confession, y was vpon her herte, and grapped it so sore with my iiij pawes..that she might haue no will to yeue foryeuenesse.
d
- a1500 Cloud (Hrl 2373)34/16 : Grappe [Hrl 674: Þou maist bi grace com to for to grope it & feele it].