Middle English Dictionary Entry
pennen v.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | pennen v.(1) |
| Etymology | OE *pennian, cp. onpenned, ppl. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To confine (sb.), imprison, shut in; enclose (cloth in a press); pinion (someone's leg in a snare); (b) to close (gates), make fast; also fig.
Associated quotations
a
- a1200 Trin.Hom.(Trin-C B.14.52)43 : Þe pit tineð his muð ouer þe man þe lið on fule synnen..gif ure ani is þus forswolgen and þus penned, clupe we to ure louerd ihesu crist.
- c1400 PPl.C (Vsp B.16)7.219 : Pennede [Hnt: Ich putte hem in pressours and pynned hem þerynne].
- a1500 Ȝyng men I red (BodPoet e.1)p.271 : In a panter I am caute; My fot his pennyd, I may not owt.
b
- a1200 Trin.Hom.(Trin-C B.14.52)181 : Ðan þe sowle fundeð to faren ut of hire licame, hie tuneð to hire fif gaten and penneð wel faste.
- a1450 PPl.B (Bod 814)20.296 : Penne [Ld: Conscience..made pees porter to pynne þe ȝates].