Middle English Dictionary Entry
onfal(le n.
Entry Info
| Forms | onfal(le n. |
| Etymology | From fal n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
An affliction, access of trouble, plague, etc.; bratthe ~, an attack of anger; qualm ~, an access of plague.
Associated quotations
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)5943 : Ful yern on godd bi-gun þai call To liuer þe folk on þat on-fall [Frf: onfalle; Trin-C: wreche]; And drihtin sua þam did of all.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)5999 : Þan sent godd a qualm on-fall On besteis in þat kingrike all.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)27738 : Wreth it es a brath on-fall, Menging o mode þat cums o gall.