Middle English Dictionary Entry
paternā̆l adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | paternā̆l adj. Also paternel. |
| Etymology | ML paternālis & OF paternel. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Of or pertaining to a father, or to God as father of mankind; paternal; (b) pertaining to one's forefathers, ancestral.
Associated quotations
a
- a1450(c1433) Lydg.St.Edm.(Hrl 2278)385/503 : Offa..seide, 'Edmond, my neuew..I the accepte for my sone in deede, Vnder most trewe affeccion paternall [vr. paternal].'
- (a1465) Paston2.321 : Shewe your good maistershep vn-to my fader..be-sechyng hym that he wole yeff me euery day during the dayes of his liff his paternall blissing.
- c1475(a1449) Lydg.Expos.PNoster (LdMisc 683)151 : A ground take of meeknesse..Vnder support of his paternell goodnesse.
- a1500 Add.Hymnal (Add 34193)482/6 : Goddys son, oo shynyng bryght splendowre, Of þe paternall and eterne glorie..Noo clowdes dark thy bryghtnes mey deface.
b
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)127.24 (v.2:p.326) : The cause of here passioun .. ys nought ellys but zeel of Goddys lawe and kepynge of here paternal tradicions.