Middle English Dictionary Entry

misdọ̄n v.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To do wrong or evil, sin, transgress; commit fornication or adultery [quots.: Mannyng HS, Gen.& Ex. 1890, Sidrak & B. 8888]; (b) to make a mistake, err; fail to perform well, do a job badly; ?do harm, give the wrong treatment [last quot.]; (c) ~ to (toward), to behave badly towards (sb.), do harm to (sb.), injure; ~ ayen (ayenes, yenes, to, with), commit an offense against (God, man, a law, etc.), trespass or sin against.
2.
To do (sth.) wrongfully, sinfully, or unjustly; commit (misdeeds).
3.
(a) To do wrong or harm to (sb.); behave badly towards (sb.); treat (sb.) unjustly; do (sth.) wrong or harmful to (sb.); commit (an offense) against (God, sb.); also, weaken or damage (Holy Church); (b) to sin against (God, Christ), offend; (c) to do physical hurt or injury to (sb.), injure; handle (sb.) roughly, maltreat; damage (sth.); ?also, destroy (sth.); [sometimes difficult to distinguish from 3. (a), to which some quots. here may belong].