Middle English Dictionary Entry
obsequī n.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | obsequī n.(2) Pl. obsequīes, obsequias, (errors) obsequens, obsequīms. |
| Etymology | OF osseque, obseque & L obsequiae pl. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A service for the dead; funeral ~; (b) pl. funeral rites; a funeral; don ~, to perform funeral rites, hold a funeral service.
Associated quotations
a
- a1500 Partenay (Trin-C R.3.17)2332 : His funerall obseque to morn we do, And for hys good soule to our lord pray we.
b
- (c1385) Chaucer CT.Kn.(Manly-Rickert)A.993 : To the ladyes he restored agayn The bones of hir freendes that were slayn, To doon obsequies [vrr. obsequias, obsequens] as was tho the gyse.
- a1450(?c1421) Lydg.ST (Arun 119)4567 : What shuld I any lenger dwelle The olde Ryytys by and by to telle, Nor thobsequies in ordre to devise..how the bodyes wer to Asshes brent.
- c1450 Siege Thebes (Rwl D.82)272 : The bodies of þeire lordes..weren..caried home into Grece with many a rial obseqims and sacrafice don abought þeym.
- c1450 Siege Troy(2) (Rwl D.82)283 : The Troyans sent oute for a trety of vj monthe, during which, Priamus ordeynyng for þe sepulture, of Ector, full rially held þe obseqims and vigiles, brannyng therein the riche Jewellis, [etc.].
- c1475(c1450) Idley Instr.(Cmb Ee.4.37)2.B.289 : She was dede and nailed in a cheste, And hir obsequyes doo, as it ought be right.