Middle English Dictionary Entry
hassel n.
Entry Info
| Forms | hassel n. Also haselle. |
| Etymology | Cp. OE hago-steald, heh-stald & ML haistaldi, hestaldi pl., from Gmc. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A retainer, young courtier; ?also coll.: retainers.
Associated quotations
- c1450(c1405) Mum & S.(2) (Add 41666)29 : Now ye haue y-herde of þe haselle names Of officiers withynne and withoute eke.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)2.25 : [Of] hertis or hyndis on hassellis brestis, Or some lordis leuere þat þe lawe stried, He shulde haue y-mette mo þan ynowe.