Middle English Dictionary Entry
maien v.
Entry Info
| Forms | maien v. |
| Etymology | Shortened form of amaien. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To be upset or frightened; ppl. maied, dismayed, fearful; (b) impers. (?or refl.): him gan to ~, he was dismayed; (c) to allow (one's heart) to be downcast or afraid.
Associated quotations
a
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)5399 : Oure mode kyng was so maied, myndles him semed.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)2018 : He myȝt in no wise pas; ful sore he gan to may.
- a1500 Wars Alex.(Dub 213)3010 : Þof þai war mo be mony, mayse nott in hertes.
b
- c1380 Firumb.(1) (Ashm 33)978 : Ac wan Charlis hit wiste & seȝ, for hymen hym gan to maye.
c
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)3010 : And if þai ma ware be many, mayes noȝt ȝour hertis.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)3570 : For Porrus pistill..No for na manas he mas mayes noȝt ȝoure hertis.