Middle English Dictionary Entry
shift n.
Entry Info
| Forms | shift n. |
| Etymology | Prob. from shiften v. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. skift(e n.
1.
(a) An attempt, expedient, available means; -- in phrases maken ~, to make an attempt (that sth. be done); maken god (beter) ~, find a good (better) expedient; (b) a means of living, livelihood; (c) a portion, share; (d) ?moment, ?movement; -- in phrase at a ~, ?together, at one instant.
Associated quotations
a
- (?1462)Paston2:270 : For yn trowþe y muste now make an schyffte, for Wyndham haþe sold hys ryght.
- (c1475) Let.Christ Ch.in Camd.n.s.1930 : Y pray yow to make schyft that he may be payd redyly.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)125/285 : Bot yit I must make better shyft, And it be right.
- ?a1525(?a1475) Play Sacr.(Dub 652)303 : Sir, as for þat, good shyffte may ye make.
b
- a1500 Henley Husb.(Sln 686)43 : Þey haue spent more þen þer lyvelod may suffice & menteyne, & þen þey can none oþer shifte but fro þe hande to þe mowthe.
c
- (1461-2) Doc.in HMC Rep.10 App.5301 : The mesuring of salte and corne that sholde long to the shifte of the communes.
d
- a1400(c1300) NHom.(1) Gosp.(Phys-E)p.26 : The faurtend day at a schift Sal bathe brin bathe erthe and lift.