Middle English Dictionary Entry

nǒmbre n.
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Entry Info

Forms nǒmbre n. Also nomber, numbre, number, noumbre, noumber & noumer, noummer, nummer & (errors) noubre, nonbir, nonbr.
Etymology AF noumbre & CF nombre, numbre & L numerus.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) A number; (b) ~ diminutif, a number greater than the sum of its aliquot parts; ~ dividing, a divisor; ~ exeant, quotient [see exeant]; ~ multipliing, a multiplier; ~ of digites, simple ~, a number less than ten; ~ of ten, a multiple of ten; ~ quadrat, the product of a number multiplied by itself, a square; ~ spericus and circularis, cubik ~, a number taken to the third power, a cube [see also cubik]; ~ superficial, the product of multiplying two numbers; ~ multiplex superparticularis, ~ sexque alterus, ~ submultiplex, ~ subsuperparciens, subsuperparticularis ~, superparticularis ~ [see Barth. quots.]; compouned ~, a number formed by multiplying other numbers [see also compouned 3.]; middel ~, average; moder ~, dividend [see moder 8. (g)]; parfite ~, a number equal to the sum of its aliquot parts; also, one hundred; particuler ~, an aliquot part; solide ~, the product of multiplying three numbers (not necessarily a cubic no.); superflue ~, a number less than the sum of its aliquot parts; uneven nombres, numbers not equal to each other; moder (rote, wel) of nombres, one; even ~, odde ~, ~ odde; (c) preceding a specific number: ~ (of) seven, etc., the number seven, etc.; with a specific number: twelve bi (in, of) ~, twelve in number; (d) certain (siker) ~, a definite though often unspecified number; (e) a written numeral; ~ of augrim, an Arabic numeral; (f) a geometrical figure; cercle ~, a circle; ~ lineal, a line; ~ solidus, a solid figure; ~ superficial, a plane figure; thre-cornered ~, a triangle; (g) sg. or pl. the science or study of numbers, arithmetic; also, an arithmetical operation; craft of ~, art (lore, science) of nombres, arithmetic; resoun of nombres, numerical computation; casten ~, to perform arithmetical operations; (h) a count, reckoning, tally; out(e of ~, withouten ~, countless, innumerable, incalculable; as adv.: endlessly, indefinitely; ?excessively.
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2.
(a) The total number; clene ~, a full or complete number; in hol ~, with number intact, with nothing lost; (b) a large number; gret ~; (c) a group, company, or collection of individual persons or things; (d) an amount.
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3.
(a) Natural harmony or proportion; bi nombres of accord, bi nombres proporcionables, in harmonious proportions; (b) mus. arithmetical proportion as applied to harmonic intervals; (c) mus.?harmony.
Show 11 Quotations
4.
Order; an ordered list.
Show 4 Quotations
5.
Grammatical number.
Show 13 Quotations
6.
The fourth book of the Bible, Numbers.
Show 2 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)328a/a : Þis nombre is diuided in lyneal, superficial, & in solid. Þe numbre lyneal bygynneþ fro oon and is y-write arewe and lyne anon to endeles…Þe numbre superficial is y-write nought oonliche in lengþe but also in brede…a[s] a þre cornered nombre and foure cornered and fyue cornered and rounde…þe þre cornered nombre is y-ordeyned in þis wise and þe quadrante in þis wise and fyue cornered in þis wise. Þe cercle nombre is ymade þus, 0.
    • Note: see notes filed in box
    Note: Quot. here is already used (in slightly truncated form) in 1.(f).--JL
  • a1450(1424) Ordin.Whittington118 : We wille and ordeyne…that every suche persone…be countid for oon of the same hous and of the noumebre of the seid xiij porefolke during his lyffe.
    • Note: New spelling
  • a1500 Add.37075 Accedence (Add 37075)48/159 : How many nownbyrs be þer? II. Whiche ij? Singuler and plurell.
    • Note: New spelling
    Note: for 5.

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