Middle English Dictionary Entry
missī̆ve adj. & n.
Entry Info
| Forms | missī̆ve adj. & n. Also missif. |
| Etymology | ML missīvus. Also cp. OF lettres missibles & F lettres missives. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) In phrases: lettres missive(s, lettre ~, ~ lettres, official letter(s sent by the king or some other authority conveying a command or commission; (b) ?as noun: a commandment.
Associated quotations
a
- (1444) Proc.Privy C.6.318 : Item, that the warrantes to þe signet..be it lettres missives or oþer, be truely and redily kept.
- (1466) Doc.in Gilbert Cal.Dublin 1323 : The saide Maister John..to make all myssyvve lettres in lattyne to Irishe enemyes..that undrestandith not Englys.
- (1477) Let.in Ellis Orig.Let.ser.1.117 : We have other tymes addressed our Lettres missiues vnto Robert Conestable for restitucion of the goods of Thomas Yare.
- (1477) *Rwl.B.332 Marg.[OD col.] (Rwl B.332)lf.42 : A commission maad in a lettre myssif forto visite the priory of Hertford by my lord Abbot in proper persone.
- a1525(1470) Rebell.Lin.(ArmsV 435)13 : Proclamations have be made in your name..to assemble oure liege people..Furthermore, letres missive sent in like maner for like cause.
b
- a1450 Who þat liste loke (Stw 951)42/108 : Wedloke, þat hye and gode beneison Of god & of þe holy goost myssyue, By holy chirche doon with deuocion, Enspireth þe sacrament terme of lyue.