Middle English Dictionary Entry
shirten v.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | shirten v.(2) Also shurten. |
| Etymology | ?OE scyrtan to shorten (for sense development cp. ME shorten v.2a.(e)); ?OE *scyrtan to jest, play (cp. MHG scharz, OI skart, skarta, & MDu. scherts, schertsen). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Refl. To amuse oneself, enjoy oneself.
Associated quotations
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)217/5 : Hwen ȝe beoð al greiðe ilete blod, ȝe ne schule don na þing þe þreo dahes þet ow greueð ah talkið to ower meidnes & wið þeawfule talen schurteð [Tit: schurtes] ow to gederes.
- c1450(?a1400) Parl.3 Ages (Add 31042)661 : I schurtted me in a schelfe in þe schawes faire.