Middle English Dictionary Entry
infēriāl adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | infēriāl adj. |
| Etymology | Prob. from infēriōr.?ML; cp. CL inferus lower & inferiālia sacrifices to the dead. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Lower, nether, low-lying.
Associated quotations
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)1.151 : The nowbleste cite off theyme alle was Tharsis, more inferialle [Trev.: dounward; L inferius] towarde the see.
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)2.179 : The bodies above gouerne and ȝiffe influence, the membres inferialle [Trev.: neþer lymmes; L inferiora] supporte and do seruyce.
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)6.475 : Have noo mervayle that y am incorrupte in the inferialle [Trev.: neþer; L inferioribus] partes of my body, sithe y was never gilty in surfette or in lecchery.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)2.187 : The flesche covetethe ageyne the sawle..and þe powers inferialle [L inferiores potentise] laboure and stryve ageyne reason.
Note: Mod. gloss: also, inferior, subordinate.