Middle English Dictionary Entry

honǒur n.
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Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. anour.
1.
(a) The action of honoring or paying respect to someone; an act, a gesture, or a ceremony displaying reverence or esteem; worship; haven (holden) in ~, haven with ~, to show honor or respect to (sb. or sth.); (b) beren (don) ~, beren (don, yelden, yeven) ~ to, yeven ~ unto, to honor (sb. or sth.); don ~, perform (one's) devotions, worship; (c) sweren ~, to swear allegiance to (sb.); taken ~, receive homage or allegiance; (d) in ~, revered, worshipped; for (in, til, to) ~ of, in honor of (sb. or sth.), out of respect for (sb. or sth.); -- also to (for)..~ with genitive.
2.
(a) Fame, good repute; worldly glory, distinction; vein ~; worldes ~; lesen (losen) ~, to lose (one's) honor, be disgraced; (b) the glory of God or Christ; also, spiritual glory; (c) feminine repute, reputation for purity.
3.
(a) A state or condition inspiring respect; a respectable or dignified manner; to ~, to (one's) credit; (b) splendour, beauty, comeliness; excellence; (c) happiness, good fortune; also fig.
4.
Nobleness of character or manners; graciousness, courtesy; honorableness, virtue, moral or spiritual uprightness; bi ~, ?in accordance with honorableness.
5.
(a) Position or rank, station in life; office; (b) exalted position or status, high station or rank; with reference to things: honorable use.
6.
(a) The domain of a feudal lord or king, a seigniory; (b) feudal lordship or rule; (c) to thin ~, ?at your service.
7.
(a) A gift, reward; a mark of distinction; (b) an achievement, a distinction; (c) referring to persons, actions, speech: a source of glory, a cause of honor or good reputation.

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • c1300(c1250) Floris (Cmb Gg.4.27)647 : Lordinges..wiþ muchel honur ȝe habbeþ iherd of Blauncheflur.
  • Note: New sense; different focus