Middle English Dictionary Entry
sai n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | sai n.(1) |
| Etymology | Shortened form of assai n., from which it cannot be distinguished when preceded by the indefinite article. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A testing of the quality or nature of a person or thing; at a ~, by test or trial; setten in a ~, to put (sth.) to the test by practice; (b) at a ~, in taste; bi saies, in the order of the tasting, as each dish is tested; (c) a feat, an accomplishment.
Associated quotations
a
- ?c1335 Þe grace of god (Hrl 913)89 : God wist wel bi þilk say Þat bi no man þat was ycor, Whan bi prophetis no bi lai, Þat communelich hi ne wer forlor.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)2.2090 : Fulofte time thou myht se Of suche men that now aday This vice setten in a say.
- c1450(c1440) Scrope Othea (StJ-C H.5)87/1 : If þou wilte verrily knowe a knyȝt, In cloister or cloos wheþir he be diȝt, The say þat was made to Achilles Schal lerne þe to prove them, douȝtles.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)8063 : There is no hope so vnhappy, þat hastes to noght, Ne so vnsikur at a say, as to set vppon wemen!
b
- ?c1425 Arun.Cook.Recipes (Arun 334)471 : Take the laumpray and wassh hym twyse or thries in lewe water..sethe hym, and he schal be fresshe ynogh at a say.
- 1790(1471-1472) Ordin.Househ.Edw.IV(2) (Topham)36 : A sewar for the kynge..receveth the metes by sayes and saufly so conveyeth it to the Kings bourde with sauces accordingly.
c
- ?a1400 Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Petyt 511)4028 : Alle þe saies [Lamb: Þe note he couþe of alle layes, Of mynstrecye al þer assayes].
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- c1500 O lady myne (Trin-C R.3.19)207 : I pray…In especiall, and ye that louers be, Whom loue hath made oft weyle…To pray for me to that myghtfull God…In hys mercy graunt me sey of my loue.
Note: Needed for date
Note: Ed.: "possibly an assay, a trial, a test"