Middle English Dictionary Entry
mīre n.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | mīre n.(2) |
| Etymology | Prob. OE, ?from ON. Cp. Mȳran-hēafod (Peterb.Chron. an.1010), Goth. miera, MDu. miere, Dan. Swed. myre. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. pisse-mire.
1.
An ant; also, as surname.
Associated quotations
- (1212) CRR(2) 6391 : Herewardus le Mire.
- (1272) Inquis.PM Hen.III272 : William le Myre.
- (1297) Sub.R.Yks.in YASRS 1610 : Adam Mire.
- a1300 Bestiary (Arun 292)175 : Ðe mire is magti, mikel ge swinkeð In sumer & in softe weder.
- a1300 Bestiary (Arun 292)199 : Ðe mire muneð us mete to tilen..ðis little wile ðe we on ðis werld wunen.
- (1327) Sub.R.Lei.in AASRP 19.2277 : Galfridus le Mire.
- a1475 *Sidrak & B.(LdMisc 559)8016-7 : Hounde is..þe smellyngeste þynge..Sauffe if hit þe myre be, For of alle bestis þe myre is Sauourith moste after þat he is.