Middle English Dictionary Entry
pī̆king(e ger.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | pī̆king(e ger.(1) Also pikking. |
| Etymology | Cp. pī̆ken v.(1). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Working with a pick or some other digging tool; breaking up ground with a pick, etc.; (b) a cleansing or purifying; (c) ?cutting shorter or making more slender various parts of a bow; (d) devouring, picking clean; (e) a bite, a mouthful; (f) gathering, picking up; (g) stealing, theft.
Associated quotations
a
- (1272-3) in Davenport Nrf.Manorp.xxxix : In blestis frangendis et in pikking tempore seminationis ordei.
- ?a1400(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.2 (Petyt 511)p.273 : Now dos Edward dike Berwik brode & long, Als þei bad him pike & scorned him in þer song..'& þou has for þi pikyng mykille ilk likyng.'
b
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)397 : Pykynge, or clensynge: Purgacio.
c
- (1463) Acc.Howard in RC 57235 : Item, payd ffor pesynge off bowys and ovyrdrawynge off bowis and ffor pykynge off bowys.
d
- c1450(c1405) Mum & S.(2) (Add 41666)565 : And nad þe gutte groned þere þay gurde were, Thay had bee sike of swete mete..For piking of prouendre passing þassise.
e
- a1400 Ancr.(Pep 2498)52/12 : Briddes..pikken o pikkyng after her mete and loken vp as suiþe.
f
- (1422) Plea & Mem.in Bk.Lond.E.130/273 : William Brigis and John his man bringes vp newe Customes of diuerse men..ayenst þe Fredome of þe Cite, by faching of water..or pikyng of Chippes vpon þe commune Grounde, for whiche he maketh men to pay.
g
- (1402) Topias (Dgb 41)p.66 : Jak, thou seist we piken from the pore and from the riche..that almes is pykyng, y fynde it in thi boke.