Middle English Dictionary Entry
lauelī adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | lauelī adj. Also louili. |
| Etymology | LOE lahlīc; first element influenced by laue. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Prescribed by law; also, permitted by law, lawful; (b) ~ man = laueful man; (c) in accordance with a legal pledge or agreement.
Associated quotations
a
- a1225(c1200) Vices & V.(1) (Stw 34)43/8 : Non ðare ðinge ðe on ðesse worlde waren..he ne luuede bute his nexte and ðo laȝeliche þing ðe god him hadde ȝehote te donne.
- a1250(?c1150) Prov.Alf.(*Glb A.19-James)78/75 : Þe erl & þe aþelinȝ, þo ben under þe cinȝ þe lond to leden mid laȝelice deden [vrr. lawelyche deden, lauelichidedin].
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)565 : Weþer louyly is me my gyfte To do wyth myn quat-so me lykez?
b
- (1423-4) Let.Bk.Lond.I (Gldh LetBk I)295 : Commissions be made to twey worthi and lawly men of every Shire, and the thrid to be named..be of the Kynges hous.
c
- a1425 *Medulla (Stnh A.1.10)16b/b : Condicionalis: laulyche or couenauntlych.