Middle English Dictionary Entry
percher n.
Entry Info
| Forms | percher n. Also percho(u)r, pierchier. |
| Etymology | From perche n.(2). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A candle, prob. one set on a holder of some sort; ~ (of) wax, a wax candle.
Associated quotations
- (a1331) *Mem.Multorum [OD col.] (Glb E.4)lf.45 : Item, candele que vocantur perchers continent in longitudine xv pollices; unde xviij perchers pond. j li. cere.
- (1371) Doc.in Riley Mem.Lond.359 : Torchez, tortiz, prikettez [or] perchers..[or] cierges.
- (1427-8) Rec.St.Mary at Hill67 : For a pound perchors for lyȝt to þe werke men, j d.
- c1430 Chaucer TC (Cmb Gg.4.27)4.1245 : By þe percher [Rob.: morter] which þat I se brenne, I knowe wel þat day is not fer henne.
- (1432) in Rec.B.Nottingham 2130 : Reynald..ceram, rosynam, et weke de linio, etc., in torches, tortes, staunchiers, priketes et pierchiers facta et per praedictum Johannem operata..emit.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)393 : Percher, candylle: Perticalis.
- (1445-6) Acc.St.Michael Oxf.in OAST 7846 : Item, pro perchoures et study candelles ad missam lux fulgebit, iij d.
- a1475 Bk.Courtesy (Sln 1986)467 : iij perchers of wax þen shalle he [the groom] fet, A-boue þo chymne þat be sett..To brenne.
- a1475 Bk.Courtesy (Sln 1986)826 : Now speke I wylle..Of þo chandeler..Þat torches and tortes and preketes con make, Perchours, smale condel, I vnder-take.
- a1475 Russell Bk.Nurt.(Hrl 4011)968 : The curteyns let draw þem þe bed round about; se his morter with wax or perchere þat it go not owt.
- (a1475) MS Sln.1986 in Halliwell D.616 : The Maister of the Roles dyd present her torches and perchers of wax, a good nombre.
- 1790(1471-1472) Ordin.Househ.Edw.IV(2) (Topham)32 : Bannerettes..or Bacheler Knights..shall have..for wynter season..one percher, ii candelles wax, ii candelles peris.
- 1790(1471-1472) Ordin.Househ.Edw.IV(2) (Topham)36 : Esquiers for the Body..for wynter lyverey..one percher wax, one candell wax, ii candells peris.