Middle English Dictionary Entry
ayẹ̄ns- pref.
Entry Info
| Forms | ayẹ̄ns- pref. Also ayenst-, ageinst-. |
| Etymology |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. ayen- pref.
1.
In opposition to, against; ~ crien, to cry out against; ~ fighting, the act of opposing; ~ holding, resistance; ~ seien, forbid (sth.), prohibit; also, refuse (to do sth.); ~ seiing, refusal, denial, contradiction; ~ stonden, resist (sb.), oppose (sth.); ~ stonding, resistance; esp., defense at law.
Associated quotations
- a1425 *Medulla (Stnh A.1.10)55a/b : Reclamo: aȝenns crye.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)96 : He shulde not mown with sitte thee, ne ayens stonde thee.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)145 : But there is noon Meyr ne provost that ayensseith to here dooinge.
- (c1454) Pecock Fol.(Roy 17.D.9)102/25 : For þe boold aȝens holdyng and defendyng which ellis myȝte be maad aȝens his vndirnymyng.
- a1475 Godstow Reg.(Rwl B.408)47/16 : They ageynst sey, ayeynst ryht, to pay to hym..tethys.
- a1475 Godstow Reg.(Rwl B.408)171/31 : To be holde & to be had to hem withoute ony ageynyste seynge of men or women.
- c1475(c1445) Pecock Donet (Bod 916)58/22,28 : Þe fourþe maner is in aȝens fiȝting and removing excellent lettis of vertu..and if þat forto so remove, doom of resoun not aȝens seiþ and aȝens stondith.
- a1500(?a1450) GRom.(Hrl 7333)9 : He shuld lese his life, with oute ony ayenst-stondyng.