Middle English Dictionary Entry
lē̆ch(e n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | lē̆ch(e n.(1) Also (in names) lecche, lach(e, lacch(e, lac, liche, leǧ, laǧe, (errors) leth, lathe. |
| Etymology | Prob. OE *læc, *lec & *læce, *lece; cp. leccan to wet, moisten. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The solution obtained by pouring a liquid over or through a substance, an infusion; (b) ~ coumb, a vat for soaking.
Associated quotations
a
- a1475 Limn.Bks.(Brog 2.1)p.86 : To gyld metalle. Take water of suffloure, that is, the fyrste leche, and salle armoniac and grene coperose, and bray heme togedyre.
b
- (1397) Inquis.Miscel.(PRO)6.161 : [4] lechecombes [worth 6 d. each].
2.
(a) A sluggish stream, stream flowing through boggy ground, a bog; (b) in surnames & place names [see Smith PNElem. 2.10].
Associated quotations
a
- a1500(1389) Doc.in Hodgson Northumberland 22.495 : Thai beoan [read: began] at a grene lech called mereden..ȝode by þe sam leche like as it extendys..to Aldworthgrange.
b
- (c1100) in Ekwall Dict.EPN270 : Leche.
- (c1145) in Ekwall Dict.EPN150 : Est Lech.
- (1178) in Pipe R.Soc.2715 : Ricardus de la Lache.
- (c1194) in Ekwall Dict.EPN279 : Lichelad.
- (1206) EPNSoc.23 (Oxf.)82 : Lechebroc.
- (1208) Fine R.King John461 : Henricus de Lacheford.
- (1211-13) in Ekwall Dict.EPN279 : Lechelad.
- (1235-6) EPNSoc.23 (Oxf.)129 : Lacford'.
- (1238) EPNSoc.8 (Dev.)132 : Lecchebrok.
- (c1250) EPNSoc.23 (Oxf.)82 : Lethisbroc.
- (a1252) in Mawer PNNhb.& Dur.42 : Cauleche.
- (1254-5) EPNSoc.23 (Oxf.)82 : Lathebroc.
- (1270) in Mawer PNNhb.& Dur.42 : Cauleth.
- (1286) EPNSoc.8 (Dev.)169 : Lychebrok.
- (1301) Pat.R.Edw.I79 : William atte Lacch.
- (1316) EPNSoc.23 (Oxf.)129 : Lachford.
- (1336) Inquest Lan.in LCRS 7046 : Richard de les Laches.
- (1350-88) EPNSoc.12 (Ess.)583 : Lecheslond, Lechelond.
- (1352) in Mawer PNNhb.& Dur.42 : Cauleg.
- (1395) EPNSoc.23 (Oxf.)129 : Laccheford.
- (a1400) EPNSoc.12 (Ess.)583 : Wodeleche.
- (1428) EPNSoc.23 (Oxf.)129 : Lacheford.
- (1479) in Mawer PNNhb.& Dur.42 : Caulage.