Middle English Dictionary Entry
linken v.
Entry Info
| Forms | linken v. |
| Etymology | From linke n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To chain (sb.), bind or fasten (sb. in a chain); also fig.; (b) to chain (things) together, (things) together (in a chain); unite (persons); linked line, in a fastened line, in a continuous line; (c) to make (a chain) out of links.
Associated quotations
a
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)3.4859 : Whan þei a man haue brouȝt in a traunce, Vn-euenly to hange him in balaunce, Of hope & drede to lynke hym in a cheyne..To dryue hem forþe ȝeres hem to serue.
- c1500 Lydg.BC (Trin-C R.3.19)133 : Lynked [Trin-C 600: yee stonde..Lynkeld in a double cheyne].
- 1532-1897(c1385) Usk TL (Thynne:Skeat)6/42 : Depe in this pyninge pitte with wo I ligge y-stocked, with chaynes linked of care and of tene.
b
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)5.1133 : Lo, how þe synne of avouterye Brouȝt in mordre..Synne vp-on synne lynked boþe in tweyne And enbracid in þe fendis cheyne.
- a1450(?c1421) Lydg.ST (Arun 119)1744 : Thynges tweyne, Trouth and mercy lynked in a cheyne, Preserve a kyng.
- c1460(a1449) Lydg.2 Merch.(Hrl 2255)76 : Kynde is in werkyng a ful myghty lorde; In love he lynketh hem that be vertuous.
- c1450 Treat.Fish.(Yale 171)149/18 : Make þe yarde mete vn-to the hole of the seyd stafe yn-to þe halfe stafe lynket lyngh.
c
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)4.3553 : I shal make a dyvos Atwixe þe and þe quen Eleyne And twynne assonder eke þe false cheyne, Whiche lynked was by colour of wedlok.