Middle English Dictionary Entry
-iē̆r(e suf.
Entry Info
| Forms | -iē̆r(e suf. Also -iar, -ear, -i)ȝer. |
| Etymology | From ME -ē̆r(e suf.(1) & OF -ier. Apparently, the ME suffix was first used to form nouns from verbs in -ien, and the resulting -ier(e was then extended to other nouns. Most OF nouns in -ier came into ME with -er suf. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. -ēr(e suf.(1).
1.
A derivational suffix in nouns, indicating an instrument, an agent, or a person having an occupation, trade, or profession: (a) in ME formations: brasier, colier, glasier, heliere, lauiere, loviere, var. of lovere n. (2) and n.(3), tiliere, var. of tillere, etc.; (b) in words from OF: barrier, var. of barrer, cartier, var. of carter, chevalier, var. of chevaler, etc.
Associated quotations
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