Middle English Dictionary Entry
assaiǒur, -er n.
Entry Info
| Forms | assaiǒur, -er n. |
| Etymology | AF; -er from assaien. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Assayer [an officer of the Crown]; kinges ~; (b) an official or servant who tastes food before serving; (c) investigator, student.
Associated quotations
a
- (1423) RParl.4.257b : That the Kynges Assaiour, whiche is ane indeferent persone betwyxe the Maister of the Mynte and the Marchant, and semblably the Countroullour of the Mynte, be present whenne ane such Billon of Silver is brought in to the Mynte, to the entente that the forseid Assaiour may sette justly the value therof, after the alay, in cas of variaunce betwix the Maister and the Merchaunt.
- (1469) Indent.Edw.IV in Archaeol.15170 : That thann..the money be chalenged and adjuged by the assaioure lasse than goode, and at the coste of the seid maister be newe molten and reforged till it be putte to poynt.
b
- c1390 RSicily (Vrn)166 : Þou schalt eten on þe ground; Þin assayour schal ben an hound, To assaye þi mete bifore þe.
c
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)58a/a : Wise men & assaiers [L experimentatores] tellen that..þat gut is alwey founde voyde & empty.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)58 : As experience wole nedis proue to eche asaier.
- c1475(c1445) Pecock Donet (Bod 916)54/31 : Þe assaier and..oþire considerers and iugers.