Middle English Dictionary Entry

offens(e n.
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Entry Info

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) A transgression against God, sin; sinning, transgression; don ~, to sin; commit a sin; don ~ ayenes (to), transgress against (God); commit a sin against (God); werken ~ ayen, commit a sin against (God); withouten ~, pure, without sin; (b) a wrong, an injury; wrong, wrongdoing; of gret ~, very wrong; don ~, to wrong (sb.); do wrong; commit a wrong; don ~ ayen (to), maken ~ unto, perpetrate a wrong on (sb.); putten ~ on, accuse (sb.) of wrongdoing; werken ~, perpetrate a wrong; (c) harm, hurt, injury; (d) discomfort, pain; difficulty; (e) a fault; (f) a violation (of nature, one's conscience).
2.
A violation of the law, misdemeanor, crime; breach of the rules of a guild; in ~ of, in breach of (the peace).
3.
(a) The causing of displeasure, displeasing; the giving of offense, offending; in ~ of, offensive to (sb.); withouten ~, without causing offense; (b) displeasure, anger, resentment, annoyance; the retribution of the law; (c) don ~, to annoy (sb.); cause offense, offend; taken ~ of, be annoyed or offended by (sth.); withouten ~, without taking offense; (d) a cause of offense or displeasure; withouten more ~, without further provocation; (e) a state of disfavor or disgrace.
4.
(a) Attack, assault; armed opposition; don ~, to attack (sb.); (b) a stumbling block; thing of ~, stumbling block, obstacle; (c) ?error for defense.