Middle English Dictionary Entry
prī̆mer adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | prī̆mer adj. Also premer & primier. |
| Etymology | AF primer, premere & CF premier, primier. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) First in time or succession; (b) first in rank, foremost; (c) as surname.
Associated quotations
a
- (1448) in Willis & C.Cambridge 1353 : Hit hath liked vnto oure lord forto suffre and graunte me grace for the prymer notable werk purposed by me.
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)31.23 (v.1:p.225) : Whos cruelnesse forto withsette, And to confounden his primere malice, The first cristen man that with hym mette .. Was Valerie, a bisshop sage and wice.
- (1472-3) RParl.6.8a : We..beseche youre moost habundant grace to doo calle before youre Highnes the Statutes of Westm' primer, Wynchestr', Northampton, [etc.].
- a1500 Add.Hymnal (Add 34193)468/6 : Thys primer day, os scripture doth devisse, Of deys all þe fyrst and principall, The world was made and crist frome deth did ryse.
b
- a1500(a1471) Ashby APP (Cmb Mm.4.42)2 : Maisters Gower, Chauucer & Lydgate, Primier poetes of this nacion.
c
- (1287) Let.Bk.Lond.A (Gldh LetBk A)105 : Borkhard Primer.
- (1290) Pat.R.Edw.I408 : Roger le Premer.
- (1296) Sub.R.Sus.in Sus.RS 1092 : Rogo. le Premer.