Middle English Dictionary Entry

mēnen v.(1)
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Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To intend to convey (sth.), mean; also, intend a certain sense (of a word); i mene thus, this is what I am getting at; (b) of a word, words, or a written passage: to mean (sth.), signify; mean (sth.) allegorically or figuratively; of an action or situation: symbolize (sth.); of something symbolic: mean (sth.); (c) to imply (sth.); of a word or passage: mean (sth.) when fully analyzed; what hit meneth, what are the full implications; (d) to refer to (sb. or sth.), speak of, mention; thou wost ful litel what thou menest, you do not know what you are talking about.
2.
(a) To intend (sth., to do sth., that sth. be the case), plan; mean (mischief); aim (a stroke at sb.); ~ on (of), be intent on (sth.), be bent on; what menen thei, how can they do such a thing?; (b) to intend (in a certain way), aim, plan; badde-mening, wel-mening, q.v.; (c) to desire (sth.), want, strive for; (d) to go (toward a place); ppl. mente, bound, going.
3.
(a) To say (sth.), assert; speak (the truth), express (one's thought); assert (that sth. is the case); (b) to say, speak, mention; say (to sb.), tell; of a book or document: narrate, provide information (to sb.); ~ of, tell about (sb. or sth.), talk about, refer to; ~ bi, speak about (sb.); as i mene, as I say; (c) to tell (sth.), narrate, describe; (d) to forecast (sth.), prophesy, proclaim; (e) to count (sth.), name, specify; (f) to indicate (sth.), mark; (g) to ascribe (glory, a murder, to sb.).
4.
(a) To remember (sb. or sth.; that sth. happened); ~ on (of), remember (sb. or sth.); (b) impers. me meneth, I remember; also, I remember (that sth. was the case, sth. happened); me meneth of, I remember (sb. or sth.); (c) to keep (sb.) in one's thoughts, concentrate on (God); ~ of (on) keep (sth.) in mind, bear in mind, mull over; also, take note of (sth.); (d) to believe, have faith; believe (that sth. is the case); opine (sth.); me meneth, it seems to me, I believe; (e) to devise (sth.), determine (a course of action); (f) to discuss (sth.); refl. take counsel; ~ of, discuss (sth.).
5.
(a) To advise (sb. to do sth.), admonish; urge (sb.); recall (sth. to someone's mind); (b) to threaten (sb. or sth.).
6.
(a) To be caused or explained by (sth.); what meneth this, what is the cause of this ?what is the reason for this?; (b) to cause or entail (consequences); (c) to guess at (sth.), comprehend; ~ of, understand (sth.); (d) to explain (sth.).

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)66/324 : To lowe þat lorde I helde grete skyll, That tylle his menȝe þus has mente.
  • Note: None of the senses in our entry works for this - most take an intr. sense of 2.(b) intend or 4.(e) devise (sth.) - the latter perh. better.--per MJW.