Middle English Dictionary Entry

impressen v.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To indent (sth.); imprint (the shape of sth. in an object); stamp (sth. with an imprint, a seal), make the impression of (a seal); (b) of medicines or cauteries: to corrode the flesh; (c) to paint or depict (sth. on cloth); make a permanent image in (a mirror); (d) to write (sth.); write the name of (sb. in a list); inscribe (the name or symbol of Jesus on one's forehead).
2.
(a) To press (sth.) down, press down upon (a cautery); crush (grapes) in a wine press; (b) to throng about (sb.), crowd (sb.); (c) to fix (one's eye on sth.); (d) to oppress (sb.).
3.
To produce (a form), cause (sth.) to assume (a shape or condition).
4.
(a) To put (womanliness in sb.), put (virtue in sb., in one's heart); (b) to fix (an image, idea, or emotion in the mind or heart); (c) of an image or idea: to become fixed (in the heart or soul).

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • c1425 Chaucer CT.Fkl.(Petw 7)F.1385 : She..Chese þe raþere to die þan to assent To bene enpressed of her maidenhede.
  • Note: Mod. gloss 2.(d): ~ of, forcibly deprive (sb.) of (sth.).