Middle English Dictionary Entry

rẹ̄̆chelē̆s adj.
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Entry Info

Forms rẹ̄̆chelē̆s adj. Also rechi-, rech-, recche-, rechche-, retche-, (early) recelease & richeles, richi- & reke-, rek-, rec-, rege-, rekke-, recke-, (early) reckelæs & reccles, rake-, rak- & (error) reccherous.
Etymology OE rēcelēas, rēcce-, rēcci-; for forms with k, etc., cp. ME recchen v.(2).]

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) Heedless, imprudent; careless of the consequences of one's actions; foolhardy, rash; (b) ~ of, unheeding concerning (sth.), indifferent to, inattentive toward; (c) indifferent as to the consequences (of doing sth.); (d) uncaring towards somebody or oneself, indifferent; (e) of emotions, actions, etc.: characterized by recklessness or heedlessness; (f) not worth caring about; (g) ?as adv.: recklessly, with no heed to the consequences.
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2.
(a) Negligent of one's work or duty; dilatory; (b) ben ~, with inf.: to fail (to do sth.), be negligent or dilatory (in doing sth.).
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3.
Carefree, untroubled by care.
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4.
As noun: (a) a thoughtless or heedless person, person who does not care about consequences; -- also coll.; (b) an uncaring or indifferent person; (c) recklessness, imprudence; ?also, freedom from care [quot.: ?C.d'Orl.]
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Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • a1500(1439) Lydg.Sts.AA (Lnsd 699)2063 : I [Alban] cast neuyr with hem to have ado, Nor make fyr vpon ther Auters, This my Answer take good heed herto, Nor no Recheles cast in ther sensers, Kneele afforn them this hundrid thousand years. This is in som for oo woord & all Myn last wil & myn Answer fynall.
    • Note: Supplemental material for 4.

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