Middle English Dictionary Entry
nāpen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | nāpen v. Also nape, naupe. |
| Etymology | From nāpe n.(1). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
To strike (sb., a bee) on the back of the head; to cut or chop (a fish) through the nape.
Associated quotations
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)351 : Napyn, or slen be the nape [vrr. sclape in ye nape; slepe be þe nese]: Occipito.
- c1450(c1405) Mum & S.(2) (Add 41666)1061 : A-waite whenne dranes furste entren, And nape thaym on þe nolle ere þay þaire neste caicche.
- c1450 Hrl.Cook.Bk.(2) (Hrl 4016)101 : Take a pike, and nape him, and drawe him in þe bely.
- ?a1475 Noble Bk.Cook.(Hlk 674)69 : To boill a trout, tak and nawpe hym in the hed.