Middle English Dictionary Entry
kerling n.
Entry Info
| Forms | kerling n. Also kerlin. |
| Etymology | ON; cp. OI kerling. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) An old woman; (b) in place names [see Smith PNElem. 2.3].
Associated quotations
a
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)11056 : Þe tan was leuedi maiden ying, Þe toþer hir hand-womman kerling.
b
- (c1170) EPNSoc.5 (North Riding Yks.)151 : Kerlinghou.
- (c1176) EPNSoc.5 (North Riding Yks.)151 : Kerlinhou.
- (c1250) EPNSoc.21 (Cum.)440 : Kerlingsik.