Middle English Dictionary Entry
sapient adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | sapient adj. |
| Etymology | OF sapient & L sapiens, -ientis. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Wise; (b) as surname.
Associated quotations
a
- (1468) Doc.in Bentley Excerpta Hist.232 : It was in veeray levynge creaturys, the countenaunce of hem, so sapient, vnto the people was sheued.
- a1500 Discip.Cler.(Wor F.172)19 : Bettir is the felawship of a simple man nurisshed among sapient men than led and brought furth with feders of prudent men.
- a1500 *Ripley CAlch.(Ashm 1486)834 : Of thys pryncypyll spekythe sapyent guydo.
b
- (1413) Reg.Mascall in Cant.Yk.S.21158 : John Sapient.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- a1484 7Planets (Trin-C R.14.52)690/133 : Who that is born in May in signe of Geminis he shal be prevy and sapient and wounder ware.
Note: Ed.: "sapient adj. 'wise, learned'."
Note: Additional quot., sense (a).