Middle English Dictionary Entry
mark(e n.(1)
Entry Info
Forms | mark(e n.(1) Also marc(e, marcke, merk(e, merc, merck(e, merek & (early) mearke, mærk & (late) marque; pl. markes, etc. & (early) marken, merken, mearken, mærken; pl. or coll. marke, merke. |
Etymology | OE; cp. WS mearc, A merc. Also cp. OI mörk & OF merc (from Gmc.). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The boundary or limit of a field, mountain, forest, etc.; a border between countries or regions; the shore or bank of a sea or river; ~ wei [OE mearc-weg], a road that serves as a boundary; flod markes, seashores, riverbanks; lond(es ~ [see also lond 2. (d)]; (b) that which marks a boundary or limit; a boundary stone, pillar, or post; ~ ston; also, a location that serves as boundary marker; setten ~, to erect or place a boundary marker; (c) a marker that indicates the location of something, direction of a road, a voyage, or trail of a hunted animal; a landmark; (d) one of the posts by which the path of the accused is designated in a trial by ordeal; (e) a gravestone; monument; (f) a bookmark.
Associated quotations
a
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)440 : Met of corn and wigte of fe..merke of felde first fond he [Cain].
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)3455 : Abute ðis munt ðu merke made [read: make]; If erf or man ðorone take, It dead ðolen.
- c1330(?c1300) Reinbrun (Auch)p.656 : Me lord honted a best & drof it out of þe forest Wiþ-inne is merkes stake.
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)2.2 : Me schal telle..of kyngdoms, of boundes, and of markes [Higd.(2): merkes; L limitibus] by twene kyngdoms.
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)2.45 : Þe weyes were not so sette wiþ certeyn markes [L limitibus]; þe weies were vncerteyn.
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)2.103 : Þe sixte kyngdom was of Mercia..Þe merkes and þe meres [L limites] þerof were in þe west side þe ryuer Dee..and Seuarne..in þe est þe est see, [etc.].
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)105b/b : Þe firmament is I-clepid heuene, for hit is sadde & stedfast & haþ a merk þat is [read: it] may nouȝt passe.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)195a/a : [God] sette grauel and lond [read: sond], merke and meer to þe see.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)246b/a : Many woodes beþ markes and meres bytwene dyuerse contryes and londes.
- c1425 Liber de Hyda in RS 4586 : Thys ben the markys [L termini] of the lond of Mychildefer: Fyrst, begyn at Hafoclynk; than so along the lawpath to Egulfus tre, [etc.].
- c1425 Liber de Hyda in RS 45103 : Be gynne at Myceldefer along the mark weys [L limitosas vias], for to that thw comyst to the sand pyt.
- ?a1425(c1400) Mandev.(1) (Tit C.16)96/5 : In..libye is the see more high þan the lond..ȝit it passeth not his markes [Man.(2): bankes].
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)333 : Meer, marke betwene ij londys: Meta, meris, limes.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)461 : Be þow founden a fute withowte þe flode merkes, Aftyr þe aughtende day.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)1147 : They feyne neuer are they fall at þe flode merkes.
- a1475 Godstow Reg.(Rwl B.408)239/17 : He graunted..his wode of Burley with the pertynentis, the whiche bene with-in the markes of the forsaid forest.
- a1475 Godstow Reg.(Rwl B.408)575/24 : He axed the tithes of ther medys..at Walgarecote..forasmoche as they were with-in the lymytes or markes of the said parissh chirch.
b
- c1330(?a1300) Tristrem (Auch)2710 : Her fader..Ȝaf hem londes wide..Markes were set bi side; Bitvene þe douke þai had ben ay And a geaunt.
- (1364) Halmote R.Dur.in Sur.Soc.8231 : Et sciend' quod prædictus Ricardus promisit quod ipse venire faciet le merkstans.
- ?a1400(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.2 (Petyt 511)p.77 : Saynt Cutberte's clerkes..At Geruans set þer merkes; a hous þe gan vpspede.
- c1400(?a1387) PPl.C (Hnt HM 137)4.385 : A kyng..stande as a stake þat stykeþ in a muyre By-twyne two londes for a trewe marke.
- c1425 Liber de Hyda in RS 45163 : These ben the land-markys that longeth to Legford: Begyn at Legford, and so up to the dyche..than forth-ryht to a marke that ys clepyd Sengthorne.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)1.612 : Þe boundes..Of Hercules..he..sette, As for markys alle other for to lette Ferther to passe.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)334 : Merke of bowndys, as dolys and other lyke: Tramaricia.
- (1456-7) *Plea & Mem.R.Lond.GildhA.81.m.7 : They can not knowe neither by evidence..nor markes or boundes in the grounde howe muche of grounde..belongeth vnto the seid brethren and sustren.
- a1475 Godstow Reg.(Rwl B.408)369/15 : The..abbesse and couent..of Godestow [should have]..the tythes of sheves of vij buttis liyng at pulewelle, in lengthe bitwene j marke of the northe parte and the lond..of the south parte.
- a1500 *Chartier Treat.Hope (Rwl A.338)38/17 : God hath sette His markis in the circute of hevenes by meruelouse diuising.
- a1500 *Chartier Treat.Hope (Rwl A.338)138/29 : He [Hercules] sette the markes of his conqueste in thende of the Occean See.
c
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)246b/a : Therfore beþ ofte knottes y-made on trees and..bowes..in tokne and marke of þe hihe weye to schewe þe certeyn..weye to wey-farynge men.
- (c1410) York MGame (Vsp B.12)86 : He must..drawe hym to some place where he may best see hym [the hart], and þere breke a bowe for to make a marke.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)2.8027 : Þe lordis wysely han her counseil take And concludid..on þe se howe þei schulde hem guye, So to ariue þat no man hem espie; Þis was deuised at a certeyn marke.
- a1450 7 Sages(3) (Cmb Dd.1.17)1928 : Thay..byrid the coffyns..And setten redy markys there Wydyr-out the coffyns were.
- ?c1475 Direct.Sailing in Hak.Soc.79 (Lnsd 285)12 : Ye must go south west fro the Nasse to the merkis of the spetis.
d
- c1330(?a1300) Tristrem (Auch)2234 : Men sett þe merkes þere At westeminster..Hot yren to bere For sir tristrem.
e
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)1887 : Iacob dalf hire and merke dede, Ðat is get sene on ðat stede.
- c1475(c1445) Pecock Donet (Bod 916)124/18 : God forbediþ not vttirly ydol and grauen þing, title and markis to be made.
f
- (c1450) Capgr.St.Aug.(Add 36704)22/23 : He sperd the bok..and leyd at þe same reson a merk, be whech he myth rydily turne þertoo.
2.
(a) A limitation set for an action, condition, profession, etc.; (b) ?the end of an action or condition; (c) the end of a period of time; middel ~, ?the end of middle age, ?middle age.
Associated quotations
a
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)118/11 : I þe temptatiun he [God] haueð iset to þe feond a mearke [Nero: merke].
- (1340) Ayenb.(Arun 57)223/6 : Me may zeneȝi liȝtliche..huanne þe lost ne paseþ naȝt þe markes ne þe zetnesses of spoushod.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)50 : These craftis kepten not to hem silf her propre..boundis and markis.
- a1450 When adam delf (Cmb Dd.5.64)30 : Terme of þe ȝere hase þou nan here -- þi mede bese þer þi merkes.
- (1459) Paston (Gairdner)3.159 : Every mortall creature is soget to the lymitez or merkys of mutabelyte and chaungeableness.
- c1475(c1445) Pecock Donet (Bod 916)110/14 : Riȝtwisnes, as it is a cardinal vertu, is withynne þe markis of þe iiij tablis.
- a1500(c1340) Rolle Psalter (UC 64)15.6 : Merkis of my possession in thi brightnes fell.
- a1500 *Chartier Treat.Hope (Rwl A.338)111/2 : The othir lawe accomplisshith and fulfillith and maketh an ende and settith his [God's] merkis.
b
- c1425 Found.St.Barth.39/3 : Now..we be come, for oure synnys, to the butte and terme or marke of vniuersall kynde of man.
- (1435) Misyn FL (Corp-O 236)38/12 : O dede..Þou art þe end of heuynes, þe mark [L meta] of labirs.
c
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)1108 : All þi ȝeris ere ȝeten ȝare & þi ȝouthe fenyst, Lange or þou haue meten þe merke of þi mydill age.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4631 : He..Metis on þe medill merke, & þare his mynd stablis.
3.
(a) ?The land or area within certain boundaries; ?region or country; ?a territory; (b) an appointed or chosen place for meeting; (c) astron. the orbit of a planet; ?also, the location of a star in the firmament; ?a point or position in the ecliptic of the sun; ~ of the mid dai, the position in the ecliptic that the sun reaches at midday.
Associated quotations
a
- c1450(c1350) Alex.& D.(Bod 264)1139 : Alle meven his men fro þe marke evene.
- c1600(c1350) Alex.Maced.(Grv 60)173 : I karp of a kid king, Erubel was hote; The marques of Malasor menskliche hee aught.
b
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)1073 : Ȝe schal..cum to þat merk at mydmorn.
- c1430(c1386) Chaucer LGW (Benson-Robinson)784 : They sette mark here metynge sholde be.
c
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)1.3432 : Appollo of his daies arke Had in the west almost ronne his marke.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)7696 : The Sun in his Sercle set was o loft, At the merke of þe mydday.
- a1500 Wars Alex.(Dub 213)684 : May ȝe oght in any maner me to þat merke [Ashm: sterne] shewe?
4.
(a) A mark made on a surface to indicate position; (b) measure; a measurement; taken ~, to make measurements; taken ~ of, measure (sth.); also, a unit of measurement, grade [quot. ?a1425]; at the leste ~, at least.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1392) ?Westwyk EPlanets (Peterh 75)26/2 : Wt þt moeuable poynt, mak a marke astrik in the label.
- c1475(1392) *MS Wel.564 (Wel 564)60b/b : Make a marke in þe myddil of þe boond.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)262/146 : For to haue getten it to the marke, I trow lewde man ne clerk Nothyng better shuld.
b
- a1325(?c1300) NPass.(Cmb Gg.1.1)1257 : Of þat tre þei gan marke [vrr. þe merke, markis; mette] take.
- ?a1425(?c1350) NHom.(3) Pass.(RwlPoet 175)2381 : It [the tree] was made efter þair merk.
- ?a1425(?c1350) NHom.(3) Pass.(RwlPoet 175)2766 : Þai..layd him [Christ] doune o-pon þe rode..Bot to þair merkes was he noght mete.
- (c1386) Almanac 1386 [OD col.]9 : Þan it es a rayny tyme, or at þe lest marke, a colde and moyste tyme.
- c1390 Chart.Abbey HG (Vrn)360 : Þei..make[d] markes and holes where his hondus & his feet scholde be nayled to.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)8779 : Þai fand gret merring in þair merck [Göt: mark; Trin-C: merk; Frf: werke].
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)2312 : Þe wryght alsone had takyn hys m[a]rke.
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)176b/a : Degre..is eleuacioun, i. reisyng, of a qualite of any complexioun aboue temperament after hole distaunce þat is seid for þe 3 metez or merkez [L meihas] noȝt hole in euery degre.
- a1450(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Lamb 131)10036 : Ten fote longe was þen þe blade, Im [read: In] Ramesey & oþer stedes þe merke ys ymade.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)42/64 : Begynne Thy mesures and thy markis to take.
- c1450 Alph.Tales (Add 25719)131/2 : At þe leste marke, þou suld hafe compassion of þine awn blude, þi sister son.
5.
(a) The trademark of a craftsman or tradesman set on products, merchandise, and the like for purposes of identification and guarantee of quality; the stamp certifying official approval as regards the weight or measurement of merchandise; the stamp on a coin; buter ~ [see buter(e 1. (d)]; couperes ~ [see couper(e 1. (c)]; (b) the badge or insignia of a sovereign or lord; a personal or familial badge stamped on vessels, flatware, etc.; (c) the distinguishing mark of ownership on the bill of a swan; a brand on an animal; also fig.; dethes ~, a mortal wound; (d) seal; confirmation; also fig. a constraint (on someone's lips); setten ~, to affix one's seal to an agreement or covenant, ratify; setten ~ of, confirm (sth.); (e) a written symbol such as an asterisk, letter, or character; a musical note [quot.: c1450].
Associated quotations
a
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)15.343 : Þe merke of þat mone is good, ac þe metal is fieble.
- (1423) RParl.4.257a : No Goldsmyth..nor other Man that werketh Selver Hernois, put noon therof to the sale..or that it be touched..wyth a marke of the Maker therof..Be it as it is axed, so that every Goldsmyths mark be knowen to the Wardeynes of the craft.
- (1428) Doc.in Sur.Soc.852 : William Kyam saw ij barells of osmundes market with ye marke of John Lyllyng.
- c1436 Ipswich Domesday(2) (Add 25011)177 : It is ordeyned that non..beie be mesure corn or wyn, ale..but it be ferst aferyd by the standardys, and seled with the seel of the same toun; that is to wittyn of mesoures that mown and owyn bere marke and seel.
- (1440) *Bench Bk.3 Hull15b : It is ordeyned..yat every couper have his mark sette uppon every vessell that he makes.
- (1444) RParl.5.106a : That no man of the said Craft make ony Worstede withoute he sette theruppon his marke.
- (c1466) Paston (Gairdner)4.258 : The other ij pottys be prentyd with that marchauntys marke too tymes on the coveryng.
- c1600(?c1395) PPl.Creed (Trin-C R.3.15)177 : Wyde wyndowes y-wrouȝt, y-written full þikke..Schynen wiþ schapen scheldes to schewen aboute, Wiþ merkes of marchauntes y-medled bytwene.
b
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Job 38.14 : Þe litil marke [WB(2): A seeling; L signaculum] shal ben restored as cley & shal stonden as cloþing.
- (1420) EEWills46/23 : I ȝeve to William..a chales cuppe with þe couercle & my merke y-made in þe cnappe.
- (1434) EEWills101/26 : Y bequethe to Robert Sharp..a spone of siluer with-out mark.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)2.78 : No manere meyntenour shulde merkis bere..þe lawe to apeire.
c
- c1380 Firumb.(1) (Ashm 33)3074 : Wham so he smyteþ of þe route, he ȝyfþ him deþes merke.
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)2.227 : Iabel ordeynede first flokkes of bestes, and merkis [Higd.(2): carectes; L characteribus] to knowe oon from anoþer.
- (1438) Will Norwich in Nrf.Archaeol.4329 : Alle my swannes and synettes, as well of the newe merk as of the old, schall dwelle to the maner of Ingham.
- c1440 Lyarde (Thrn)2/280 : Thay salle be brynte on the hippe, chapmans merke, Bothe in froste and in snawe to go with lyarde.
d
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)17982 : He setteþþ merrke off þatt he wiss Iss Godd soþfasst i spæche.
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Ecclus.22.33 : Who shal ȝyuen to my mouþ warde & vp on my lippis a certeyn marke [WB(2): ceelyng; L signaculum] þat I falle not fro þem.
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)2 Esd.9.38 : Wee vsselue smijten pes couenaunt..& oure princis, oure leuytes, oure preestis setten marke [WB(2): aseelen; L signant].
e
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)4.37 : What the Hebrewes hadde more þan þe seventy þey marked..wiþ markes [Higd.(2): signes; L signis] þat hatte astarisces.
- ?c1425 Craft Number.(Eg 2622)16/14 : Yf ouer þe fyrst figure in þe ryȝt side be such a merke as is here made, w, þou schalle fyrst doubulle þe figure..vnder þat merke.
- (1434) EEWills102/28 : Y pray yowe loki thys marke and thys Seell, acorde as y Roger wyl answere afore god.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)2113 : Þare saȝe he selcuthis sere..Þe muses of musike, & þe merke, how it was made first.
6.
(a) A mark printed on a person by a dominant planet at the time of conception or birth; a birthmark; kinges ~, [see king 1b. (a)]; also, a distinguishing mark on an animal; (b) a tattoo mark on a person indicating mourning; (c) a miraculous mark impressed by Christ on a bodily part of a saint; pl. the stigmata; (d) a stamp or mark made on a person for purpose of identification; specif. one made by God, Christ, Antichrist, or the Beast of the Apocalypse; (e) theol. the 'character' which is conferred by God and imprinted on the soul at baptism or confirmation.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)2.309 : Eueriche ȝere in Serapis feste come vp a bole out of..Nilus, and hadde a whyte mark [Higd.(2): signe other merke; L signum] in þe riȝt schuldre.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.619 : Yet haue I Martes mark vpon my face.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)226/163 : Mars he hath morteysed his mark.
b
- a1425(c1395) WBible(2) (Roy 1.C.8)Lev.19.28 : Nether ȝe schulen make to ȝou ony fyguris ether markis in ȝoure fleisch [WB(1): pryckyngis; L stigmata].
c
- c1450(?c1425) St.Mary Oign.(Dc 114)180/32 : Cryste styked to hir fete þe merke of þe holy crosse, baner of his victory.
- a1500 GLitany (Dc 42)125 : Thou shalte..haue the markys of my v woundis duryng thy lyeff vpon thi handis, feett, and syde.
d
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)10899 : Þa wið-saken wolde cristindom, he dude his marken him on.
- c1350 Apoc.(1) in LuSE (Hrl 874)p.53 : I seiȝ anoþere Aungel..& he had þe merk of god lyueande.
- c1350 Apoc.(1) in LuSE (Hrl 874)p.67 : Hem is comaunded þat þai ne don non harme to..ne noman bot hem þat hadden nouȝth þe merk of god in her forheuedes.
- c1350 Apoc.(1) in LuSE (Hrl 874)p.104 : Alle shulden haue þe merk of þe [first] beest in þe riȝth honde oiþer in þe foreheued.
- c1350 Apoc.(1) in LuSE (Hrl 874)p.127 : By þe fel wounde þat is made to men þat han þe merk of þe beest is bitokned þe dampnacioun of hem þat..nolden nouȝth ben buxum to þe comaundementz of god.
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Roy 1.B.6)Apoc.16.2 : A wounde feers and worst is maad in to alle that hadden the carecte or marke [L characteram] of the beest.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)1177 : I sal seit on þi mi merk, Þat al sal see to red als clerk.
- a1425(a1400) PConsc.(Glb E.9 & Hrl 4196)4405 : Al þas men sal bere his [Antichrist's] merk, Þat sal forsake to wirk Cristes werk.
- a1425(a1400) PConsc.(Glb E.9 & Hrl 4196)4408 : By his [Antichrist's] merk men sal þam knawe, Þe whilk þai sal ber..Outher in þe frount or in þe ryght hande.
e
- c1225(?c1200) St.Marg.(1) (Bod 34)12/12 : Drihtin..haueð his merke on me iseiled wið his in-seil.
- c1350(a1333) Shoreham Poems (Add 17376)4/105 : Wanne þe bisschop bisschopeþ þe, Tokene of marke he set to þe.
7.
(a) The trace left by the current of a river; an imprint made by teeth; pl. the tracks of an animal; (b) a depression in a horse's incisor as an indicator of the animal's age; (c) a scar; med. a pathological scar resulting from ulcers, pustules, etc.; coll. marks of the wounds in Christ's hands at Crucifixion; fig. the stain left by Original Sin; (d) a reminder; the result or consequence of a person's action.
Associated quotations
a
- c1330(?a1300) Tristrem (Auch)2742 : Tristrem on huntinge rade, An hert chaci bigan; Þer þe merkes were made His houndes, ouer þai ran.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)154a/b : Þe cours of suche a water..gendreth strawe and stones to hepe and leueþ þerafter merke and tokne.
- ?a1425 Mandev.(2) (Eg 1982)26/2 : Ilke ane of þam hase in þe ta syde a merk of teeth.
b
- (?1440) Palladius (DukeH d.2)4.886 : The markis of their age ar lost at seuen.
c
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)202/23 : Ure lauerd..dude mearke [Nero: merke; Cai: merkunge] of þurlunge in ure munegunge i ba twa his honden.
- (a1333) Herebert Þou wommon (Add 46919)50 : Habbe ich þe and hym Þat markes berþ wyþ hym..Þarf me noþing drede.
- a1400(c1300) NHom.(1) Pilgr.(Phys-E)p.57 : Thar his throt was scorn wit knif, A red merk [vr. Marke] was al his lif.
- a1400(c1303) Mannyng HS (Hrl 1701)2331 : Þat mark saw alle men comunly.
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)39b/a : Of macula & vestigio, i. of spottez & merkez or leuyngez þat foloweþ þise it shal be said..in þe 6a. boke.
- ?a1425 Orch.Syon (Hrl 3432)52/35 : Þe tokene and þe mark of origynal synne is lefte oonly wiþ ȝou..doon awey fro þe soule in party..in the holy baptisme.
- ?a1425 Orch.Syon (Hrl 3432)53/5 : Þe redynes to enclyne to synne..is þe mark and þe tokene þat bileueþ stille of þe origynal synne.
- (c1450) Capgr.St.Aug.(Add 36704)6/5 : Þou bringgist neuyr no merk of his strokys.
- a1500(1413) *Pilgr.Soul (Eg 615)4.38.82b : The honoure of suche poepill is clene furbisshed harneis, mayles to brest, scheldes to schyvere..and many markes of wonder of his owne persone.
d
- a1400(c1300) NHom.(1) Nativ.(Phys-E)p.61 : Of thair not yet standes merk, In babilony the tour yet standes.
- a1450 PNoster R.Hermit (Westm-S 3)20/3 : God þen ȝaf hym [Man] cloþing..for to hile hym wiþ & to hide fro colde & fro stormes & as a marke for to haue in mynnyng of his gilte.
8.
(a) The target at which an arrow or weapon is aimed; failen of ~, to miss the target; hitten the ~, hit the target; maken ~ of, aim at (sth.); maken of ~, make (sb.) be the target; ~ arwe, an arrow used in target practice; ~ shot, the distance between two butts at the two ends of an archery range; (b) to (unto) the ~, precisely, accurately; (c) that which marks the finishing point of a race; (d) goal, objective; purpose; failen (missen) of ~, to fail to accomplish (one's) goal or objective; setten ~, establish (one's) goal.
Associated quotations
a
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)4229 : Heoræ sceaftes weoren strake; of his flæsces heo makeden here marce [Otho: marke].
- c1300 SLeg.(LdMisc 108)179/47 : He let archers to him scheote ase it were to one marke.
- c1300 SLeg.Edm.King (LdMisc 108)46 : Huy benden heore bouwene..and heore Arewene riȝten Ase to ane marke huy schoten to him.
- ?c1350 Ballad Sc.Wars (Jul A.5)31 : Ay stan he tok op..And castid forth..Ay merk-scot of large way.
- c1380 Firumb.(1) (Ashm 33)2451 : Ne haddest þou come to me..& mad him of þy merke, A schame for euere had he me diȝt.
- (1394) in Löfvenberg Contrib.Lex.56 : [One sheaf of] merkarwes.
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)9.2315 : Of his marke cause he dide faille To slen his enmy.
- a1450(1408) *Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)8b : He moste be tauȝt..þat he conne..schete his arewe..euene to þe mark þat it is to-ysette.
- a1450(1408) *Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)45a : Arblasteres and slyngeres moot maken hem markes [vr. markers] to schete to.
- a1450 I herde a carpyng (Sln 2593)p.44 : Qwerat xal our marke be?
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)40/153 : What merk þat were set me, to deth it xuld blede.
- a1500(1422) Yonge SSecr.(Rwl B.490)130/28 : To hit the marke hit is harde, and to faylle hit is lyght.
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)287 : Thei were putte bakke the space of a mark shote.
b
- c1450(a1425) MOTest.(SeldSup 52)3970 : Sampson herd þem say so euyn vnto his merke.
c
- a1500(?a1450) GRom.(Hrl 7333)122 : Sche was so wyght of fote..that she wolde come to the marke longe afore him.
d
- ?a1400(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.2 (Petyt 511)p.271 : He set so ille his merk, þat neuer eft he ne sped.
- c1400 Wit & W.(Cmb Res.b.162)a/4 : Of his merekes he miste.
- a1425(c1333-52) Minot Poems (Glb E.9)31/13 : Now has sir Dauid missed of his merkes.
- a1425(?c1375) NHom.(3) Leg.(Hrl 4196)8/290 : Of þat merk no-thing he myst.
- (1440) *Capgr.St.Norb.(Hnt HM 55)2021 : He schal faile ful mekil of his merk.
- 1447 Bokenham Sts.(Arun 327)6023 : Seynt Petyr..hys entent Of hym dede aske..Hys merke & whens he cam & why.
- ?a1475(a1396) *Hilton SP (Hrl 6579)1.3.3a : I schal telle þe..of þis lif contemplatif..þat þou mihst..sithen [setten] it as a merke in þe syth of þi soule, whare to þou schalt drawe.
- ?a1475(a1396) *Hilton SP (Hrl 6579)1.14.8b : Y haue teld þe a litil of contemplacion..and sette hit as a mark biforn þe siȝte of þi soule.
- a1500(?c1378) Wycl.OPastor.(Ryl Eng 86)408 : Þe lif of þis herde is a bok to lewyd men, and a marke þat þei shulden sue aftir.
- a1500(?a1430) Lydg.Pilgr.(Stw 952(1))16549 : O blyssede Lady..thow art the Mete and the Marke off all labour.
9.
(a) That which serves as symbol or indicator of a condition, emotion, etc.; outward sign, token; (b) the tonsure as the symbol of priesthood; ~ of clergi (coroune, holi chirche), cristes (godes) ~; (c) one who serves as a symbol of sth.; (d) a signal in communication; (e) a standard, banner; here ~ [see here 3. (b)]; (f) the sign of the Cross made in blessing, baptism, etc.; ~ of the crois (mighti rode); rode ~, q.v.; (g) a figure or likeness of someone or something; coll. those who bear likeness to someone.
Associated quotations
a
- c1225(?c1200) HMaid.(Bod 34)38/637 : Nis ha [Pride] nawt i claðes, ne in feahunge utewið, þah hit beo merke þrof.
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)155/10 : Iudith..despulede hire of widewene schrud þet wes merke of sorhe.
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)185/4 : Eise & flesches este beoð þes deofles mearken [Nero: merken; Recl.: merkes].
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Gen.41.21 : Seuen oxen..defourme & leene..þe raþer deuowrd & wastyd, no mark [Corp-O: merke; WB(2): steppe; L vestigium] of full fedyng ȝeuen, bot with þe same leenes & foulnes þey dulleden.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Pars.(Manly-Rickert)I.98 : If he be baptised with outen penitence of his olde gilt, he receyueth the mark of baptesme but nat the grace.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Pars.(Manly-Rickert)I.893 : Holy ordre is chief of al the tresor of god and his especial signe and mark of chastitee.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)18330 : Lauerd..þou has sett þi merck [Göt: marke] in heuen O þi blis.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)334 : Merke, tokyne: Signum, caracter.
- a1450(c1410) Lovel.Grail (Corp-C 80)16.453 : This is to Signefie For hem thou leftest Oncristened Sekerlye; Therfore this thy mark Schal be.
b
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)29854 : Comen to þan Æluric kinge munekes and eremite..clærckes and preostes mid godes mærkes [Otho: markes].
- a1225(c1200) Vices & V.(1) (Stw 34)57/31 : Sume oðre nimeð godes marc, wandeð here claðes and naht here þewes.
- c1330 Why werre (Auch)116 : Summe [priests]..ben ashamed of the merke the bishop hem bitok.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)27251 : To þe preist at frain it feres..Quar he..clething beres þat feis to clerc, Or cron þat es o clergi merc [Frf: merk].
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)29283 : Qua smites preist or clerk Or ani berand cristes merk, Als munk or frer, nun or chanun..he is cursd.
- ?a1400(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.2 (Petyt 511)p.122 : Ȝif any lewed man laid hand opon clerk, Or with ille on ran, þat of corun had merk, He suld not escape.
- ?a1400(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.2 (Petyt 511)p.129 : Thomas suffred nouht clerke..to þe lay courte be brouht to tak þer jugement, Bot tille holy kirke, of whom he bare þe merke.
- c1450(1410) Walton Boeth.(Lin-C 103)p.3 : He þat hath resayued Cristes merk, If he do so, to Crist he is vntrewe.
- a1500 *Chartier Treat.Hope (Rwl A.338)119/17 : He toke vpon hym Goddis marke, which he diffowled with the spottis of murdre and trechery.
c
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)7643-5 : Tiss child iss to merrke sett Bitwenenn menn onn eorþe, & maniȝ mann þiss merrke shall Wiþþstanndenn & wiþþseggenn.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)216/499 : Hayll! marke of myrthe, oure medecyne made.
- c1475 St.Anne(2) (Trin-C R.3.21)454 : Anne..shuld be a verrey chosyn merke Of lawe and grace forto fulfyll thys werke.
d
- a1450(1408) *Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)56b : Þe wil..þe comaundementis of þe ledere of þe oost may ben openliche yknowe to alle þe oost by signes, tokenes, & markes.
- a1450(1408) *Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)57a : Þe secounde manere of tokenes or markes ben made wiþ manis breeþ blowyng, as blowynge of trompes, clariouns, and hornes.
e
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)18869 : Beornes scullen rusien reosen heoren mærken [Otho: marke].
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)19099 : Cador þe kene scal beren þas kinges marke.
f
- c1225(?c1200) St.Marg.(1) (Bod 34)30/28 : Þe fingres se freoliche me þuncheð..þet tu þe wið blescedest & makedest te merke [Roy: marcke] of þe mihti rode.
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)149/9 : Mid nempnunge i þi muð, mid te mearke [Nero: merke] i þin hond, mid þoht i þin heorte..hat him ut heterliche þe fule cur dogge.
- c1330(?a1300) Arth.& M.(Auch)846 : Ouer alle hir chaumber in he miȝt, For þer nas no merk of our driȝt.
- a1400(c1303) Mannyng HS (Hrl 1701)7858 : He haþ hys mark þat wyl hym ȝeme.
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)15.345 : Some folke..han a faire speche, Croune and crystendome, þe kynges merke [C: marke] of heuene.
- (a1464) Capgr.Chron.(Cmb Gg.4.12)273 : Herry duke of Lancastir..stood up..blessed him with the merk of the Crosse.
g
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Fkl.(Manly-Rickert)F.880 : Mankynde is so fair part of thy werk That thow it madest lyk to thyn owene merk.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.696 : Wommen..wolde han writen of men moore wikkednesse Than al the mark of Adam may redresse.
- c1465(?1373) *Lelamour Macer (Sln 5)42b : Lvnary..hath yelowe flourys..and the levis of him ben ynde blewe..in the medill of þe lefe ys the merke of the mone.
- ?a1450 Agnus Castus (Stockh 10.90)130/15 : Þe lef of þis herbe is ynde blew, and it hath a merke of þe mone in þe myddys.
10.
(a) One of the distinctive features of a class or group, of an action, etc.; (b) character, nature; of the ~, ?by nature.
Associated quotations
a
- a1225(c1200) Vices & V.(1) (Stw 34)71/34 : For ðessere swete clepienge cumeð baðe gode and euele..and nimeð Cristes marc uppen hem..hwilche kennes swa hit bie.
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)127/20 : Lokið nu ȝeorne..hwuch a mearke [Cai: marke; Nero: merke] he [Christ] leide up on his icorene þe he steah to heouene.
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)1003 : Quuo ne bar ðanne is merk him on Fro godes folc sulde he be don.
- c1330(?a1300) Tristrem (Auch)563 : Bliþe weren þai alle, And merkes gun þai minne.
- a1450(1410) This holy tyme make (Dgb 102)175 : Caste away Antecrist merkis.
- c1475(c1450) Idley Instr.(Cmb Ee.4.37)2.B.1707 : Dethe..Prented in hym his most dredfull mark, Made his bloode colde and his body sterk.
- c1425 Wycl.Antichr.(2) (Dub 245)p.cxlvii : Antecrist makiþ hise [priests] knowen by..curyouse syngyngus..gedryng vp of tythes..her proude araye..many moo markes haþ antecrist ȝyuen hem.
b
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)457 : Of merke [L characteribus] and kinde and helde & ble [of sheep] Sundring and samenig tagte he.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)18a/b : He was not I-maad euel be kynde but good, and of þe mark no veer of malis in himself.
- c1400(a1376) PPl.A(1) (Trin-C R.3.14)10.32 : Þe grete god..gynnyng had neuere..Ac man is hym most lik of mark [vrr. Marke, merke] & of shap.
11.
(a) Notice, observation; heed; setten ~ at, to focus (one's) attention on (sb.); taken marke(s, take note, beware; taken ~ of, observe (sb.); consider (sth.); (b) knowledge; comprehension; haven marke(s of, ?to comprehend (sb.); understand (sth.).
Associated quotations
a
- a1400(c1300) NHom.(1) Gosp.(Phys-E)p.4 : On him mai I best found mi werke, And of his dedes tac mi merke.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)131 : Þis werc sal i fund Apon a selcuth stedfast grund, Þat es, þe haly trinite..At him self first i sette mi merc.
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)17.103 : May vch man se and gode merke take Who is bihynde and who bifore.
- a1425(a1400) Titus & V.(Pep 2014)90 : Al þe Jewes kynde..schal falle for her werkys, Take þei neuer so wel þe merkys.
- a1425(a1400) Titus & V.(Pep 2014)1080 : He toke his marke of him ryȝt welle.
b
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)42/68 : Of shippe-craft can I right noght; Of ther makyng haue I no merke.
- c1450 Capgr.Rome (Bod 423)30 : If a man se anoþir naked, he schal haue mo sekir merkis of him þann if he se him clad.
12.
(a) In surnames; (b) in place names [see Smith PNElem. 2.37].
Associated quotations
a
- (1177) in Pipe R.Soc.26119 : Randulfus Marc.
- (1205) Fine R.King John295 : Walterus Markeward.
- (1227) Close R.Tower 2204 : Matilda de la Merk.
- (1230) in Pipe R.Soc.n.s.4162 : Willelmus Markedic.
- (1296) Sub.R.Sus.in Sus.RS 1016 : Robro Markelote.
- (1296) Sub.R.Sus.in Sus.RS 1031 : Alex' atte Merke.
- (1296) Sub.R.Sus.in Sus.RS 10101 : Johanne de la Merke.
- (1301) Sub.R.Yks.in YASRS 2139 : Stephano Marke.
- (1327) Sub.R.Sus.in Sus.RS 10154 : Alicia Shirmarke.
- (1379) in Löfvenberg ME Local Surnames185 : Giles atte Shiremarkes.
b
- (1211) EPNSoc.17 (Not.)55 : Markeham.
- (1241) EPNSoc.11 (Sur.)139 : Merkedeneshech.
- (1279) EPNSoc.16 (Wil.)8 : Aqua que voc' Merkeden.
- (1279) EPNSoc.16 (Wil.)185 : Chelmerk.
- (1282) EPNSoc.11 (Sur.)243 : Merkewyke.
- (1302) in Bannister PNHerf.129 : Markelee.
- (1422) Visit.Flemyng & Gray81 : In prioratibus sancte Trinitatis de Bosco iuxta Markeyate et sancti Egidij..nonnulla vetita..committuntur et perpetrantur.
- (1442) Visit.Alnwick230 : Wyllyam..to our wele belufed doghters in God, the prioresse and the couent of the priorye of Seynt Trynytee in the wode besyde Markeyate..grace and our blessyng.
- (1456-7) *Plea & Mem.R.Lond.GildhA.81.m.7 : From the grounde..there called Beaufitz markes in thest, [etc.].
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- ?c1500 Hrl.2252 Artist.Recipes (Hrl 2252) 74/32 : Wete þe ende of thy pensell in þi mowþe and therewith towche thy golde þat þu haste cutte by a marke [Add 21431: nooke; BodEMus 52: corner] softlye and ley hyt lyghtly on thy syse.
Note: Glossary: "marke n. 'edge, corner'."
Note: ?New sense.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
Note: Med., etc., see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. mark.