Middle English Dictionary Entry

mīnen v.
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Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1a.
(a) To construct a tunnel in order to undermine fortifications or to make entry into a besieged place; (b) to undermine (a fortification, fortified building, etc.); bring down (a wall) by undermining; raze; ~ doun; (c) fig. to undermine (sth.); ~ herte, subvert the will or feelings; (d) to break into (a house); ~ doun (oute), undermine (a house); (e) ~ oute, to dig (sb.) out (of a building).
1b.
(a) To dig for minerals, etc.; dig in a mine; (b) to extract (minerals, etc.) by mining; ~ oute (with); mined hille, a hill with mines.
2a.
(a) To dig into the earth, dig for hidden treasure; also, of water: pierce or penetrate by dripping; (b) to hollow out (a grave), dig (a burrow), dig into (the earth), dig in or layer (a vine); dig out (sth.) [quot.: c1450].
2b.
Fig. (a) To penetrate as if by digging, delve; ~ in (into, withinnen) the herte (spirites), etc.; (b) to gnaw.