Middle English Dictionary Entry
herle n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | herle n.(1) |
| Etymology | Cp. MLG harle, herle a fiber of flax or hemp. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A strand or twist of hair.
Associated quotations
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)190 : Þe mane of þat mayn hors..Wel cresped and cemmed, wyth knottes ful mony, Folden in wyth fildore aboute þe fayre grene, Ay a herle of þe here, an oþer of golde.
- ?c1450 Iff a man (Stockh 10.90)310/118 : Þe odour of centorie and þe smel Counfortyth mannys braynys well, Chasyth wockyd [read: weckyd] huork owt of þe heed Be-twyn þe herlus and þe sched.