Middle English Dictionary Entry

abrōd(e adv.(1)
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Entry Info

Forms abrōd(e adv.(1) Also abrade, obrode, obrade.
Etymology From on brōd(e.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. o brede, s.v. brede n.(2).
1.
(a) So as to cover a wide space; out, wide, open; drawen ~, maken ~, spreden ~, etc., to spread (sth.) out, stretch out, extend; holden ~, hold (sth.) open or wide; spreden (waxen) ~, become broader, spread out; (b) so as to be scattered over a large area, widely; skateren (spreden, throwen) ~, scatter (sth.) widely; also fig.; (c) in all parts of something, throughout.
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2.
(a) So as to be known or practiced by many people, far and wide; (b) so as not to be concealed, openly; seien (speken) ~, speak openly or aloud.
Show 11 Quotations
3.
At a distance from each other, apart.
Show 13 Quotations
4.
(a) Out of doors, out of one's house, away from home; (b) at a distance, to a distance, afar; also fig.
Show 8 Quotations
5.
Across the breadth of something, from one side to the other.
Show 1 Quotation
6.
In breadth, of breadth.
Show 1 Quotation
7.
In a broad view, broadly, generally.
Show 2 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • c1475 Yale-BA.Artist.Recipes (Yale-BA R486.M43 1450) 89/27 : Ley hit abrode vppon a skyne of parchement to dry in the sonne.
  • a1500 Trin-C.R.14.45 Recipes (Trin-C R.14.45) 123/33 : Ley hit on þy skynne on thre places or on foure, and þanne stroke hit al abrode with þe pawme of thyn honde.
    • Note: Additional quotes, sense 1.(a).

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