Middle English Dictionary Entry
paraf n.
Entry Info
| Forms | paraf n. Also paraffe. |
| Etymology | ML paraffus, paraphus; cp. OF (15th cent.) paraffe, paraphe. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A paragraph mark used in the margin of a manuscript or elsewhere; also, a paragraph; also fig.
Associated quotations
- (1395) Wycl.37 Concl.(Tit D.1)15 : Hostience, in Summa de decimis, in the paraf, Quid si clericus, seith that a man shall not geue tithis to such a clerk.
- (1395) Wycl.37 Concl.(Tit D.1)126 : This sentence is preuid opinli in the xxxij di. co., Nullus audiat, and co., Præter hoc, in the paraf; Verum, in the ende.
- a1425 *Medulla (Stnh A.1.10)47b/a : Paragraphus: a paraffe in wrytynge.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)382 : Paraf of a booke [vr. paragraf]: Paraphus, paragraphus.
- c1460(a1449) Lydg.15 JSMary (Hrl 2255)19 : Turnyng the book, I fond..Rubrisshis, departyd blak and Reed, Of ech Chapitle a paraf in the heed, Remembryd first Fifteene of her gladynessys.
- a1475 In place (Hrl 3954)8 : Wrout is on þe bok with-oute v paraffys grete & stoute, Bolyd in rose red; Þat is set, withoutyn doute, In tokenyng of cristis ded.
- a1475 In place (Hrl 3954)20 : On tre he was don ful blythe With grete paraffys, þat be wondis v As ȝe mou vnder-stonde.
- ?c1475 *Cath.Angl.(Add 15562)92a : A paraffe: paragraphus.