Middle English Dictionary Entry
avoi interj.
Entry Info
| Forms | avoi interj. |
| Etymology | OF |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Expressing disapproval or protest: fie! shame!
Associated quotations
- c1300 SLeg.Becket (LdMisc 108)2025,2030 : A-voy, sire preost,..to muche þov spext neiȝ..A-voy, sire preost, bi-þench þe bet, ne seie þov so namore.
- c1330 Floris (Auch)907 : Auoþ [read: Auoy; Cmb: Away]! dameisele..To scorne me is litel honour.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.NP.(Manly-Rickert)B.4098 : 'Avoy!' quod she, 'fy on yow hertelees.'
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)8.1696 : Avoi, mi lord, I am a Maide.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)863 : Avoy! hit is yor vylaynye, ȝe vylen yorselven.
- a1425(?a1350) 7 Sages(2) (Glb E.9)2342 : 'A, dame,' he said, 'avoy! lat be!'
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)486 : Avoy, cosin, we haue taried to longe.