Middle English Dictionary Entry
oblī̆viǒun n.
Entry Info
| Forms | oblī̆viǒun n. |
| Etymology | OF oblivïon & L oblīvio. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The state or condition of being forgotten, the obliteration of the past; putten in (to) ~, taken (yeven up) to ~, to forget or disregard (sth.), put (sth.) out of one's mind; (b) the act or condition of forgetting; forgetfulness, loss of memory; also, the name of a ring which caused forgetfulness.
Associated quotations
a
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)4.1875 : Worþines..Is but a wynde..Forȝetilnes leith it ofte a-syde By lengþe of ȝeris and obliuioun.
- 1447 Bokenham Sts.(Arun 327)40 : Hys name Myht make the werk to be put in blame..Perauenture fewe shuld haue delyht It to redyn, and for this chesoun Throwyn it in the angle of oblyuyoun.
- (1453) RParl.5.265a : All the Petitions put to youre Highnesse..ayenst youre entent..be..put in oblivion, oute of remembraunce.
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)1.71 : The fame of a false thynge is wonte to falle auþer by obliuion, other by oppinion contrarious.
- a1500(a1471) Ashby APP (Cmb Mm.4.42)637 : God hathe you grace and plentuous wit sent, Take this lesson to noon obliuion, For many folke holde this opinion.
- c1500(?a1475) Ass.Gods (Trin-C R.3.19)1337 : For oo God ther ys..And yef I may ones to hys seruyce come Your names shalbe put to oblyuyone.
- c1500(?a1475) Ass.Gods (Trin-C R.3.19)1669 : Fooles, when they haue doon All that they can, than be they fayne Yeue vp her mater to oblyuyon.
b
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)4.651 : A Ring..Moises thurgh his enchanting..made..Which Ring bar of Oblivion the name.
- (1449) Metham AC (Gar 141)2120 : Knyghtely behauyng..Wurthy ys in the world to be preysyd..Off wryter and endyter, for oblyuyon off mend.
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)1.197 : In that prouince..There be oþer ij welles..of whom oon inducethe memory, that other obliuion.
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)2.325 : When Moyses wolde haue goen in to Egipte..[he] ȝafe to his wife that other rynge of obliuion and forgetenge.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
Note: Med., etc., see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. oblivion.