Middle English Dictionary Entry
point-devīs n.
Entry Info
| Forms | point-devīs n. Also point(e-devise, point(e-device. |
| Etymology | From OF phr. *a point devisé, with ppl. taken as n.; cp. OF a devis & AF en poynt devis. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
In phrase: at ~, to a state of perfection, completion, or complete satisfaction; perfectly, completely [see also devis n. 6.(a)].
Associated quotations
- [ a1500 *MS Roy.13.A.18 [OD col.] (Roy 13.A.18)f.168b/1 : E en mesme la manere cum cy veyez En poynt devis li mater porrez. ]
- a1425 Wycl.Serm.(Bod 788)1.122 : Jesus, siþ he was boþe God and man, dide alle his dedis at point devys and myȝte no wey be amendid.
- a1450 Parton.(1) (UC C.188)7776 : Vrak hath were [vr. wedyr] at poynt devyse.
- c1450 ?C.d'Orl.Poems (Hrl 682)166/4975 : Forto say yow how she ware hir gere, Hit was ydoon hardly at poynt devise.
- (a1460) Vegetius(2) (Pmb-C 243)2807 : Myghti rowing vp at point device Is to been had at his commaundement.
- c1425(a1400) Wycl.Conf.(Dub 245)329 : It is oft seid in goddis lawe þat men shulden not adde þerto ne take þerfro..siþ it is made at poynt deuyse.
- a1500(a1450) Gener.(2) (Trin-C O.5.2)3307 : Hys trappour was made in the fressest wise..hym self armyd atte poynte devise.
- a1500 He that wilbe (Roy 18.A.6)3 : He that wil be a lover..muste haue thre thingis..The first is goodlyhede at poynt devise.