Middle English Dictionary Entry
belfrei n.
Entry Info
| Forms | belfrei n. Also bellefrei. |
| Etymology | OF belfroi, var. of berfroi. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. berfrei.
1.
(a) A bell tower; also, the chamber in a bell tower where the bells are hung; (b) a movable tower used in sieges.
Associated quotations
a
- (1272) Rec.Norwich 2270 : Ceperunt bustam et liceram et posuerunt focum infra portam Prioratus infra belfrey.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)30 : Bellfray: Campanarium.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)82 : Clokerre, or belfray: supra [vr. clocherre or bellefrey: Campanile].
- c1450(c1420) Proph.Becket (Hat 56)4 : There fyndes he masons, upon a toure makand A belfrey of alabastre, þere belles shul hengyne.
- (1484-85) Acc.Ashburton in D&CRS n.s.156 : [Paid] William Issell [for mending] le belfray, 4d. .. [Paid] William Issell [for] tymber worke.
b
- a1450 Gener.(1) (Mrg M 876)7811 : He purveid for maygnelles and belfrayes.
- a1400 Siege Jerus.(1) (LdMisc 656)386 : He streyȝt up a standard..Bild as a belfray, bretful of wepne.
- a1500(?a1400) Firumb.(2) (Fil)1409 : Sone was the belfray y-wynched & y-bounde, with ten thousand sarisins.