Middle English Dictionary Entry
mafflen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | mafflen v. |
| Etymology | Cp. MnE dial. maffle & Du. (16th cent.) maffelen. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
To talk nonsense, babble.
Associated quotations
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)2.91 : Cornwayle is in Engelond..and is i-ruled by þe lawe of Engelond..Ȝif Alfrede [of Beverley] seiþ nay in þat, he wot nouȝt what he maffleþ.
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)5.215 : Pelago woot nevere what he maffleþ.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)4.63 : Somme slombrid and slepte and said but a lite, And somme mafflid with þe mouþ and nyst what þey ment.