Middle English Dictionary Entry
linx n.
Entry Info
| Forms | linx n. Also linkes; pl. lenxes, linces. |
| Etymology | L lynx |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Any of the European lynxes.
Associated quotations
- (1340) Ayenb.(Arun 57)81/6 : Þanne huo þet hedde þe zyȝþe ase heþ þe lynx, þet me clepeþ oþerlaker leucernere.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)191b/a : In Sitia ben..grete wilde bestes and lynces [L linces].
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)201b/b : Ligurius..haþ þat name..of a beste þat hatte linx [L a lince bestia].
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)292a/a : Þis beste linx hath enuye..þat it schulde turne to vse of mankynde.
- a1425(a1400) PConsc.(Glb E.9 & Hrl 4196)576 : He..had als sharp syght..Als has a best þat men Lynx calles.
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)3.pr.8.47 : If that men hadden eyghen of a beeste that highte lynx, so that the lokynge of folk myghte percen thurw the thynges that withstonden it.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)3573 : And all þe berbrens bernes in bestis þam affyed, As lebards, lesards, & lenxis, lions & tigris.
- c1450(1410) Walton Boeth.(Lin-C 103)p.159 : If þat youre eyȝen hadde suche a myght, As hath þe lynx [vr. lynkes] þat alle þing may persen.
- c1500(?a1437) ?Jas.I KQ (SeldArch B.24)st.155 : The percyng lynx, the lufare unicorne.