Middle English Dictionary Entry
lenew(e adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | lenew(e adj. |
| Etymology | Cp. MnE dial. lennow, lennock 'limp, flabby'. Prob. Celt.; ?akin to Ir. leangac (MIr. lengach) 'unsteady' & Sc.Gael. luaineach (MIr. lúamnach 'fluttering', etc.) 'uncertain', etc. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Of spiritual commitment or love: tenuous, lukewarm.
Associated quotations
- c1400 *Bk.Mother (Bod 416)139/19,24 : Such maner siknes..bifalleþ..of newe conuercioun or of lenewe conuercioun, þouȝ it be of longe tyme -- þat is, for þe conuercioun was not strong and feruent..he feliþ þe olde passiouns and sinnes not dede, for here lenew loue.