Middle English Dictionary Entry
awaiter, -ǒur n.
Entry Info
| Forms | awaiter, -ǒur n. |
| Etymology | Cp. CF agaiteor. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) One who lies in ambush; conspirator, plotter; (b) an attendant.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)4.pr.3.122 : If he be a pryve awaytour [L insidiator] yhid..thou schalt seyn hym lik to the fox whelpes.
- (c1443) Pecock Rule (Mrg M 519)29 : Ouer hasty and vndiscreete awaiters and bacbiters in oþer wise of me feele or diffame.
b
- a1500 Rule Serve Ld.(Add 37969)14/1 : Þat þer be ij short towelles..in þe handes of..yemen of þe chambre or awayturs.
- c1500(?a1475) Ass.Gods (Trin-C R.3.19)1741 : The awayters that stood hem by, They polytyk philosophyrs & poetes were.