Middle English Dictionary Entry
averten v.
Entry Info
| Forms | averten v. Also adverten. |
| Etymology | OF, & L āvertere. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To turn aside (sth.), avert, divert; to turn (sb. from his faith); to change (someone's purpose); (b) to go astray, turn aside.
Associated quotations
a
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)2.4043 : And beestis which be rage off ther nature, He can aduerte & make hem li ful stille.
- c1450 Alph.Tales (Add 25719)148/9 : He trowed þat onone with a wurd he sulde averte his purpos.
- a1500 Craft Dying (Rwl C.894)408 : Þe deuyll with all his myȝte is besy to aduerte fully a man fro þe feiþe in þe last ende.
b
- c1483(?a1450) OT in Caxton Gold.Leg.(Caxton)f.73ra : Yf ye auerte and torne fro me -- ye and your sones --, not folowyng ne kepyng my comandements and cerymonyes, .. but goo and worshyp straunge goddes .., I shal cast away Israhel fro the face of the erthe.