Middle English Dictionary Entry
quirīn(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | quirīn(e n. |
| Etymology | ML quirin |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A stone found in a hoopoe's nest and reputed to reveal secrets and produce hallucinations if placed under the head of a sleeper.
Associated quotations
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)204b/b : De Quirino [L De quirin]..Qviryn is a stone þat is y-founde in lapwynkes nestes..þis stone..discouereþ in slepe counseil and priuete..and multiplieþ wonderliche fantasies.
- c1475 Court Sap.(Trin-C R.3.21)1058 : The stoone Quiryne, that doth the sleper sey What so he dremeth.