Middle English Dictionary Entry
lūnā̆tik n.
Entry Info
| Forms | lūnā̆tik n. Also lunatix & (error) limatike. |
| Etymology | L & OF |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) One subject to recurrent attacks of madness, believed to be due to the varying phases of the moon; a madman; (b) the mental affliction, lunacy (ML passio lunatica).
Associated quotations
a
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)prol.123 : Þanne loked vp a lunatik, a lene þing with-alle.
- a1425 Wycl.Serm.(Bod 788)2.23 : Þei offriden to Crist..lunatikes and paralitykis.
- a1500(a1450) St.Robt.Knares.(Eg 3143)981 : Lunatykes and frenesyse Thrugh hys myght ware mayd full wyse.
- a1500 Mayer Nominale (Mayer)709/16 : Nomina infirmorum..Limatygus: lymatyke.
b
- a1500 Peterb.Lapid.(Peterb 33)p.77 : Þe red [stone calidonie] is gode aȝens a malady þat men clepen lunatix, wherby he falleþ, & wherby he is foolych & wytles & falleþ þer-with long tyme.