Middle English Dictionary Entry
incertain(e adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | incertain(e adj. Also incertane. |
| Etymology | OF incertain |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Obscure in meaning, uncertain; (b) unpredictable, unforeseen; (c) insecure, not assured, shaky; (d) lacking full knowledge, ignorant.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)3.369 : What man wolde ȝiffe fidelite and credence to thynges incerteyne and dowtefulle?
b
- c1450 Scrope Othea (Lngl 253)103 : Men fynde no thyng more certeyne þan deth, ne lesse incerteyne than is the owre of deth.
c
- c1450 Scrope Othea (Lngl 253)102 : The victorie incerteyne is as long as men be among the dartes of there enmyes.
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)6.373 : In whiche tempeste kyng Alurede hade an incerteyne lyfe with fewe men with hym in the costes of Somersete, havynge noon exhibicion but by theire pray by huntynge or by fischynge.
- a1500(?c1440) Lydg.HGS (Lnsd 699)639 : Thees emperours..With ther victories & triumphes in certeyn..lat hem nat disdeyn..Fortune is fals.
d
- a1450 Thenke hertely (Dgb 102)58 : Þenke þou shalt dye, and nost whenne; Þou art incertayn, þerfore drede.
- c1450(1410) Walton Boeth.(Lin-C 103)p.297 : God is verrey well and siker grounde, In whom noþing in-certane may be founde.