Middle English Dictionary Entry
grub(be n.
Entry Info
| Forms | grub(be n. Also grob(be, crubbe. |
| Etymology | Prob. OE; cp. grubben v. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The larva of an insect; ?also, a worm; (b) a dwarfish person; (c) ?a digger; -- only as surname; (d) in place names; also, gret ~, the name of a drinking cup.
Associated quotations
a
- (?1440) Palladius (DukeH d.2)7.63 : Now benys..vpplucked sone, Maad clene and sette vp wel refrigerate, ffrom grobbis [L gurguliones] saaf wol kepe vp their estate.
- a1475 Hrl.Bk.Hawking (Hrl 2340:Halliwell)p.294 : If the frounce be wox as grete as a note, then there is a grub therin.
- a1500(?a1390) Mirk Fest.(GoughETop 4)226/1 : Loþe had he byn forto haue seen wormes and grubbes walewe yn þat blessyd full wombe yn þe whech he lay.
- 1607(?a1425) Chester Pl.(Hrl 2124)141/227 : The grubbs thereon creepe.
b
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)1753 : Slike..a dwaȝe & a dwerȝe as þi-selfe, A grub [Dub: grob], a grege out of grace.
c
- (1176) in Pipe R.Soc.2527 : Ricardus Grubbe.
- (1270) Close R.Hen.III272 : Alanus Grubbe.
- (1285) Feudal Aids 217 : Robertus Crubbe.
- (1296-7) Acc.Cornw.in RHS ser.3.68214 : De 12 d. de Iohanne Grobbe.
- (1321) Feet Fines Kent in Archaeol.Cant.14271 : Peter Grubbe.
- (1364) in Rymer's Foedera (1816-69)3.740 : Robertus Grubbe de Sandwico.
d
- (1258) in Madox Form.Angl.(1702)88 : Quatuor Selliones super Osolvistonesty; & duas foreras super le Grob.
- (1445-6) Will Court Hust.(Gldh)2.505 : [A silver cup with covercle and gilt rim, in English called] the grete grubbe.