Middle English Dictionary Entry
paternitẹ̄ n.
Entry Info
| Forms | paternitẹ̄ n. Also peternite. |
| Etymology | OF paternité |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The relation of father to child or of God the father to mankind; paternity; (b) your reverent ~, a term of address to a bishop; also used with reference to a bishop.
Associated quotations
a
- a1456(a1449) Lydg.Say.Nightingale (Trin-C R.3.20)275 : Þer he was sone and his fadres heyre With him alloone by peternytee.
- a1500 Add.Hymnal (Add 34193)483/32 : Help vs, lord, of þi paternite; help vs, fadyr, for we thy chyldyrn be.
b
- (1439) *Proc.Chanc.PRO ser.C 1 file 9no.111 : Please itt to ȝoure full reuerent paternyte..to graunt a Writ sub pena.
- (a1444) Proc.Chanc.in Cal.PCEliz.1.p.xxiv : Plese on to yov, gracyous lord, of your reverent paternyte & of your hye gracyous lordschip, to considere the gret myschef.