Middle English Dictionary Entry
aub(ǒ)urn(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | aub(ǒ)urn(e n. Also ab-, alb-. |
| Etymology | OF aubor, aubourn, albor. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A kind of wood used for bows; prob., laburnum; ~ bowe, a bow of laburnum; (b) ?the wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana.
Associated quotations
a
- (1250) in Löfvenberg Contrib.Lex.71 : Unius arcus de Auburn.
- (1333) in Löfvenberg Contrib.Lex.72 : Aubournebowe.
- (1385) in Löfvenberg Contrib.Lex.71 : [One bow of] auburne.
- (1392) in Löfvenberg Contrib.Lex.71 : Abourne.
- (1465-66) Statutes Ireland in Bolton 162137 : It is ordeyned..that euery English man..shall haue an English Box of his owne length.., the Bowes of Ewe, Wych-hassell, Ashe, Awburne, or any other reasonable tree.
b
- ?c1475 *Cath.Angl.(Add 15562)2a : Alburne: viburmum [Monson: viburnum].
- a1500 Comment.Garland (Hrl 1002)124 : Viburnus est arbor, scilicet auburn, unde fit nardus.