Middle English Dictionary Entry
ā̆re-thẹ̄de n.
Entry Info
| Forms | ā̆re-thẹ̄de n. |
| Etymology | Cp. ēr former & thẹ̄de people; cp. ērdēd (OE ǣr-dǣd) for formation. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Only in the phrase in ~, among an ancient people, in days of yore.
Associated quotations
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)711 : Ryȝtwysly quo con rede, He loke on bok & be awayed How Jesus hym welke in areþede, & burnez her barnez vnto hym brayde.
- c1440(a1350) Isumb.(Thrn)6 : Ȝe wolde here Of eldirs that by-fore us were, That lyffede in arethede.
- c1440 Degrev.(Thrn)8 : Þare solde men herken and here Of beryns þat by-fore were, Þat lyffed in arethede [Cmb: arþede].