Middle English Dictionary Entry
assignẹ̄ n.
Entry Info
| Forms | assignẹ̄ n. Also assine. Pl. assīgnẹ̄s, -ees, -eis & assīgnes, -is. |
| Etymology | OF ppl. assigné. The var. assignes (MnE assigns) is a spelling pronunciation. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
One (not an heir-at-law) to whom a property or right is bequeathed; heires and assignes.
Associated quotations
- [ (1325) RParl.1.436a : Heires & asygnes. ]
- (1343) Cart.Whitby in Sur.Soc.69230 : For hym, his heirs, and his assignes.
- (1418) EEWills33/17 : With-oute distourbaunce of..oure heires or assynes.
- (1436) Paston2.42 : All the title and interesse of the seid John Roys, his heyres and assignes.
- (1422) RParl.5.45a : To hym, his Heirs and his Assignees.
- (1446) Doc.in Morsbach Origurk.32 : To haue and to hold þe seyd pece..to hym, his heires and hys assyngnes.
- (1469) Will Bury in Camd.4947 : To his heyrys and assigneis for euermoore.
2.
A deputy, agent, representative.
Associated quotations
- (1408) Will in Bk.Lond.E.214/12 : Also my wyll ys thys, that he & hys Executours, other hys assyngnes, haue gouernance of my prest.
- (1419) Let.in Ellis Orig.Let.ser.3.165 : My cousyn Clyfford myȝt come in to this Cuntre with swych [a person] as ȝe left assigne of ȝoures.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)521 : God dooth dedis in erthe..not bi him silf oonli, but bi his assignees..as bi an aungel.
- (1470) Will York in Sur.Soc.45185 : I bequeith and wyll that myn executours and ther assignez..distribute and pay [etc.].
- a1500 Exhort.Communion (Hrl 2383)409 : I charge..that none of yow go to godds borde yn to tyme that ȝe haue spoke with me other with myn asynys.
3.
Hunt. casten (out) assigne, ?send out a party assigned to or charged with (a certain task).
Associated quotations
- (c1410) York MGame (Vsp B.12)104 : And þan he shalle cast a signe alabout þe feeld.
- c1425 Twiti Venery(1) (Vsp B.12)153 : And then ye shul keste out assygge al abowte the feld, for to se where he be go out of the pasture or ellis to his foorme.