Middle English Dictionary Entry
baptistē̆rīe n.
Entry Info
| Forms | baptistē̆rīe n. Also bapetystore. |
| Etymology | OF & L |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The part of a church, or a separate building, in which baptism is administered; (b) a baptismal font; (c) the baptismal service.
Associated quotations
a
- c1300 SLeg.Becket (LdMisc 108)127 : At seint poules churche..Þo þe baptisterie was al-redi to hire baptizingue.
- c1450 Capgr.Rome (Bod 423)71 : The baptistery is a grete hie round hous in whech constantyn was baptized, and many oþir houses hangen þeron.
- (c1450) Capgr.St.Aug.(Add 36704)25/31 : He was baptized of Seynt Ambrose..in þe baptisterie whech is halowid to þe name of Seynt Ion Baptist.
- a1500 Stations Rome(1) (Lamb 306)679 : The pope of Rome..the bapetystore there he founde, and holowed hit with his honde.
b
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)5.131 : Themperour made a churche in to the honoure of Seynte Iohn Evangeliste..in whom he made a fonte or baptistery [L baptisterium] of a ston prophiritike onournede withyn with silvyr.
c
- c1450 Capgr.St.Kath.(Arun 396)3.1077 : Goo we hens In to ȝone chapel to youre baptistery; After youre washyng ye shal ben ful mery.