Middle English Dictionary Entry
sex(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | sex(e n. Also sexus; pl. sexes, sexus. |
| Etymology | OF sexe, sex & L sexus. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Sex; distinction between male and female.
Associated quotations
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Gen.6.19 : Two þou schalt brynge in to þe ark, þat male sex [L sexus] & female.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)61a/a : Þe childe þat is conseyued in boþe celles haþ disposicioun of eiþir sexus, male & female..in þe myddel is conseyued hermofrodita, þat haþ boþe sexus, male & female.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)150a/a : The partriche..is an vnclene bridde, for þe male..forȝetiþ þe sex and distinctioun of male and female.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)303a/a : In suche Wormes is no sexe of male and femele.
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)4.pr.6.167 : Thilke same ordre neweth ayein alle thinges growynge and fallynge adoun, by semblable progressions of sedes and of sexes, that is to seyn, male and femele.
- (1447-8) in Willis & C.Cambridge 1p.lxiii : Docteurs sentences..parformyd daily twyes..to laude and honneur of sexe feminine.
- c1475 Chartier Quad.(1) (UC 85)239/15 : By the mouthe of a womman of fraile sexe was this woord passed.