Middle English Dictionary Entry
lōsen v.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | lōsen v.(1) Also lǒusen. |
| Etymology | Cp. OF los, lous & aloser. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. alōsen.
1.
(a) To praise (sb. or sth.); -- also intrans.; lakken and (ne) losen, blame and (nor) praise; (b) to make (sb.) famous, celebrate; spread (someone's praise); (c) to spread abroad (sth. slanderous).
Associated quotations
a
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)11.411 : Þow with rude speche Lakkedest and losedest [vr. losest] þinge þat longed nouȝt to be done.
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)15.248 : Charite..Noyther he blameth ne banneth, bosteth ne prayseth, Lakketh ne loseth, ne loketh vp sterne.
- c1400 *PPl.C (Trin-C R.3.14)20.101/f.55a : Neþer lak ne los [vr. loose], ne leue þat þere were Any wykkidere in world þanne I were my self.
- a1450 Ben.Rule(2) (Vsp A.25)2220 : A Priores aw to be chosen Þe best in lifyng leli losen..bi hali assent..of al þe couent.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)5316 : Suld neuire no hathill vndire heuen [be] to hiȝe losed.
- a1500 Wars Alex.(Dub 213)1960 : I, Sir Dary þe digne..Of all Lordes Lord, lowsed [Ashm: alose] þorow þe werld.
b
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Dc 369(1))3 Esd.4.12 : What maner wise the king passeth not befor, that thus is losid [vr. defamed; L diffamatur]?
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)112 : J..am cleped and losed the eldeste.
- a1500 Wars Alex.(Dub 213)2505 : Hys loyse..is losyt [Ashm: loued] þorow þe werld.
c
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Deut.22.19 : He haþ losed [WB(2): diffamide; L diffamavit] þe most yuyl name opon a maydyn of Irael.