Middle English Dictionary Entry
lectǒur n.
Entry Info
| Forms | lectǒur n. Also lector, lectoure. |
| Etymology | L & OF |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A reader, a cleric in one of the minor orders; (b) one who reads a book; (c) ?a lecherous cleric.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)5.97 : He ordeynede degrees of ordres in holy chirche: hostiarius, lector [L lectorem; Higd.(2): reder], exorcista, and acolitus.
b
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)2.69 : Wherefore y cownselle that a prudente lector [Trev.: wys redere] iuge what weye is to be holden of that cite of Alcluid.
- c1475 *Chartier Quad.(1) (UC 85)164/27 : And to yche lectoure I pray tendrely in fauourable interpretacion, and thereynne iuge to knowe the good affeccion more than the glorye of the operacion.
c
- c1430 Chaucer CT.WB.(Cmb Gg.4.27)D.767 : Some han slayn here housbondis in here bedde And leet hire lectour [vr. lechour] dyȝte hire al þe nyȝt.