Middle English Dictionary Entry
ōthen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | ōthen v. Also (N) athen. |
| Etymology | From ōth n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To bind (sb.) by oath (to confirm sth., that he do sth., etc.); put (sb.) under oath, adjure; (b) to swear an oath.
Associated quotations
a
- a1425(?a1350) Nicod.(1) (Glb E.9)1141 : Bi gret god we ȝow ath [vrr. athe, swere sall ȝe nowe]..if þat war ihesus þat raised ȝow bath, sertayne ȝe vs mak.
- a1425(?a1350) Nicod.(1) (Glb E.9)1699 : Sir, we war athed ful nere, and we answer þusgate.
- c1450(?a1400) Parl.3 Ages (Add 31042)499 : Than Arthure Sir Wawayne athes by his trouthe That he swiftely his swerde scholde swynge in the mere.
b
- a1500 Hal.Gloss.(Eg 829)6 : Adjurare, to othe.