Middle English Dictionary Entry

hir(e pron.(2)
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Entry Info

Forms hir(e pron.(2) Also ir(e, her(e, er, heir, herre, heore, hor, hare, hur(e, hurre, huere.
Etymology OE hire. In ME, hir(e begins to displace hẹ̄ pron.(2) in oblique cases as early as the 12th. cent. Often confused in form with ME hē̆r(e pron.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. he pron.(2).
1.
As direct or indirect object of a verb, object of a preposition or infinitive, etc.: (a) with reference to female persons: her; (b) with reference to female animals or to creatures having feminine gender in OE or OF: her, it -- also used generically of the tercil (which is male) [quot. ?a1450]; (c) with reference to things, abstractions, the soul: it.
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2.
Reflexive: (a) with reference to persons: herself; (b) with reference to animals: herself, itself; (c) with reference to things, the soul, abstractions (often personified), etc.: itself, herself.
Show 32 Quotations
3a.
As object of an impersonal verb, dative of interest, etc.: (a) with reference to persons; (b) with reference to animals; (c) with reference to the soul, a planet, an abstraction.
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3b.
In impersonal constructions with ben & noun, adj., adv., or phr.: (a) with reference to persons; ~ was wo, woe was to her, she was woeful; lever ~ were, it were more pleasing to her, she would have preferred; what was ~, what ailed her; (b) with reference to animals, things, etc.; ~ to haven is, is necessary for it to have.
Show 20 Quotations
4.
In phrases: ~ on, by herself; to ~ ward, toward her.
Show 2 Quotations
5.
An unspecified woman.
Show 3 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • a1400 Þo oure lord god (Mrg M 957)p.320 : Myde here slynge Sche gurte helendes wyþ a gerdel of blak.
    • Note: New spelling: 'helendes' prob. error for her lendes = her loins
  • ?a1450 Poem Hawking (Yale 163)587, 589 : Þe tarcell-gentill may nat defye..Ordeygne her ther-for twy or thry Rounde stones..Lay them a-forne her on a grene sward.
    • Note: Modify gloss 1.(b)

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Added '-- also used generically of the tercil (which is male) [quot. ?a1450]' to 1.(b) per green slip--JL

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