Middle English Dictionary Entry
horriblenes(se n.
Entry Info
| Forms | horriblenes(se n. Also (error) obribelnesse. |
| Etymology | From horrible . |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Horribleness, hideousness, repulsiveness; (b) the quality of taste of bitter things which elicits a shuddering reaction; (c) horror, dread.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)295a/b : Alle foure footed bestes..ben afered of þe horriblenesse of her [panthers' and tigers'] hedes.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)131 : Dredefulnesse, and horrybylnesse: Horribilitas, terribilitas.
- 1447 Bokenham Sts.(Arun 327)9777 : Not-wythstondyng hys horrybylnesse..alle hys sorys..Wyth a pyn..to vndo..she not dede abasshe.
- ?c1450 Knt.Tour-L.(Hrl 1764)69/26 : Hir uisage become so hideous..that..none might endure to loke theron for obribelnesse.
b
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)26a/a : Þe taast of aloe..beþ passinge bittir..by here orribilenes þerof þe taast is sore a-greue.
c
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)121a/a : Eclips..smytiþ in men and beestis many maner fere and horriblenesse.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)127a/a : Niȝt of itself bringiþ in horriblenes and fere.