Middle English Dictionary Entry
sharpenen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | sharpenen v. Also sharpen; p.ppl. sharp(e)ned, sharpenet. |
| Etymology | From sharpen v. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To make the point of (a reed stalk, spear) sharp; also, ppl. sharpened as adj.; (b) to intensify (one's belief); (c) glossing L asperare & instigare.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1450 MLChrist (Add 39996)2640 : Þe Iewes..Of his sydes perced þe blode Wiþ a reode scharpned kene.
- ?a1450 MLChrist (Add 39996)2812 : Þe sponge he nome..And sett hit vppon a scharpened reode.
- a1500(?a1400) SLChrist (Hrl 3909)7977 : Scharpenet to hym I haue a sper.
b
- a1500(?a1390) Mirk Fest.(GoughETop 4)173/8 : Forto scharpen ȝoure beleue..I telle ȝou þis ensample.
c
- a1425 *Medulla (Stnh A.1.10)7b/a : Aspero: to sharpen.
- ?c1475 *Cath.Angl.(Add 15562)112a : To scharpyn: instigare.