Middle English Dictionary Entry
pursī̆f adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | pursī̆f adj. |
| Etymology | AF porsif. cp. CF poussif. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. pursik(e adj.
1.
Asthmatic, short-winded, pursive.
Associated quotations
- [ a1400(a1300) Mir.Montfort in Camd.1568 : Domina comitissa Gloverniæ habuit palefridum asmaticum, gallice porsif', per duos annos. ]
- a1425 *Trev.Barth.(Mrg M 875)24b/b : Also of infeccion & corrupcion of þe humoures of þe breste..& by þe stoppynge of þe wosen & weyes þat comeþ fro þe longe, As in hem þat haue þe pirre & styfles & ben pursyf [L spasmaticis] & þikke breþid.
- a1450 Treat.Horses (Sln 2584)85/14 : Ofte-tyme þei þat wenyþ hem-silf sly beþ bi-giled with blynd hors & pursif hors.
- c1450 *Bk.Marchalsi (Hrl 6398)28b : Þer was neuere wyk hors pursyf.