Middle English Dictionary Entry

lok n.(2)
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Entry Info

Forms lok n.(2) Also lō̆ke, loc, lock(e, lokke, locce, (early sg. dat.) loken, (in place names) -lak, log-; pl. lokkes, etc. & loken, (early) locun.
Etymology OE loc lock & loca enclosure.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. for(e-lok n.(1).
1a.
(a) A lock for securing a door, gate, book cover, a container, etc.; ~ and keie [see keie n. (1) 1a. (a)]; (b) in cpds. & combs.: cliket ~ [see cliket n. (1)]; feter ~ [see feter 2.]; henge ~, ~ pendaunt, ?~after, a padlock; hors ~ [see hors 8. (g)]; ~ smith, place ~, stok ~, q.v.
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1b.
Phrases: (a) under ~, under ~ and under keie, under ~ and sele, under keie and ~, locked up, in custody or safekeeping; also fig.; (b) under hire ~, ?within her locked chamber; (c) bi ~, with a lock.
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1c.
Fig. (a) Something that keeps one from talking; (b) ~ of love, a securing force of human love; also, the key of divine love [quot.: PPl.]; (c) ~ of spousaille, the bond of marriage; (d) ~ and keie, one who, or that which, serves for security or protection.
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2.
(a) A river barrier that can be opened or closed at will; (b) ?a small wicket or hatch in a door; ?also, a shutter for a window.
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3.
(a) An enclosure; a fold for domesticated animals; ~ stichen, ?small pieces of enclosed ground, ?ridges enclosing a plot of ground; (b) ?a prison.
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4.
Whitsunday, the day of Pentecost; ~ sondai; at lokes, on Whitsunday. [prob. transl. of F closes Pentecoste or ML clausum Pentecostes.]
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5.
The Lock Hospital for lepers in Southwark; -- also pl.
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6.
(a) In place names [see Smith PNElem. 2.25]; (b) in surnames.
Show 24 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • (1429-30) Rec.St.Mary at Hill72 : A cofyn lok of iron for þe weket, with iij keyes.
    • Note: New combination for sense 1a.(b): cofin ~.
    Note: In cofin n., sense 2., the combination ~ lok is left unglossed, suggesting that it is a lock for a box or chest, although the quot. indicates that this lock is to be used on a door or gate. It more likely refers to a certain type of lock (perhaps a square or rectangular one--?and thus, shaped like a box or coffin). The modern combination 'coffin lock' is a panel connector composed of two parts (male and female) which are drawn together and locked.--per MLL

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