Middle English Dictionary Entry
pǒunce n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | pǒunce n.(1) Also pouns(e & ponch(e, punche. |
| Etymology | OF poinçon, poinson, ponchon; also cp. ML punchona, from OF. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A punching tool for making holes in or embossing metal; ?also, an embossed design; (b) a dagger; (c) a talon of a hawk; (d) a stab, thrust; also fig. a prick of conscience.
Associated quotations
a
- (1367) Doc.Finchale in Sur.Soc.6p.lxxviii : Camera:..j kevel, j hammer hax, vj pounces, v wegges ferri.
- (a1430) Invent.Randolf in Archaeol.61172 : j grete bolle of silver covered, chased wt ponches..j cuppe covered of silver, chased wt ponches.
b
- (?1480) Let.Cely (PRO S.C.1 59/20)p.90 (103/20) : I pray you bie me .. yf ther be eny manerly dagers or ponchys at the mart, that I may haue summe to geve away.
- ?a1525(?a1475) Play Sacr.(Dub 652)474 : And I yow plyght I shall hym not please, For with thys punche I shall hym pryke.
c
- a1475 *Hrl.Diseases Hawk A (Hrl 2340)34a : For a hawke þat þe ortel cut or þe pownse is resyd, Take a tyrdyll of a gote..& ley it þer to.
- 1486 ?Berners Bk.St.Albans (Blades 1881)leaf a viii/a : The Clees with in the fote ye shall call of right her Pownces.
d
- a1450(a1400) Medit.Pass.(2) (Add 11307)1559 : His fon..shouon him forþ withouton rest; With punches and strokes þey dedon him go.
- a1500(1413) *Pilgr.Soul (Eg 615)1.22 17b : I haue be with the whan thu knewe it nought, Enserchyng, lo, thi pouns of conscience.
2.
Perh. confused with punchoun: (a) a wooden prop in a coal mine; (b) some part of the equipment of a pair of scales.
Associated quotations
a
- (1462) *Anc.Deed (PRO) B.3217 [OD col.] : Cum idem Willelmus..dederit eisdem..omnia ligna sua boscum et subboscum..pro punches et proppes faciendis.
b
- (1441) Grocer Lond.(Kingdon)262 : Item, for Gravyng and mendyng of the punche for the weythtis, xx d.