Middle English Dictionary Entry
signā̆cle n.
Entry Info
| Forms | signā̆cle n. Also signacule, sinacle. |
| Etymology | OF signacle, sinacle & L signāculum. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A seal, sign of genuineness, hallmark; the sign of the cross; (b) a likeness, an image.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))1 Cor.9.2 : Thouȝ to othere I am not apostle, but nethelees to ȝou I am; forwhy ȝe ben the sygnacle [vr. token; L signaculum], or litil signe, of myn apostilhed in the Lord.
- a1425(a1400) Paul.Epist.(Corp-C 32)Rom.4.11 : A tokne he took of circumcysioun þat it be sygnacle of riȝtwisnesse, þat is, hafande a similitude of a tokned thyng þat he be fadyr of alle lefande.
- a1450(c1410) Lovel.Grail (Corp-C 80)38.62 : A prest..lifte vpe his hond, and the signe of the Croys Made..Nasciens knew that he hol was Be the signacle of þe Man In that plas.
- c1475(a1449) Lydg.Aesop (Hrl 2251)696 : The name of God, ordeyned to impresse, Is the signacle of the celestial seale..And who that euer mysvsith it in falsenesse..he to God doth opinly treason.
- c1475(a1449) Lydg.15 O's (LdMisc 683)267 : O sothfast Iesü callyd cleer merour Of trowthe, of love..Signacle [vr. Sinacle] and sel, patent and protectour.
- a1500(1439) Lydg.Sts.AA (Lnsd 699)3128 : Thei wern markid with a cros In ther forehed..With that victorious tryumphal signacle.
- a1500 Imit.Chr.(Dub 678)140/2 : This grace is a liȝt supernaturall & a special ȝifte of god, and a propre signacle of þe chosen children of god.
b
- (1440) Capgr.St.Norb.(Hnt HM 55)894 : O þou wrecch onworþi [the devil]..þat were so dere, For Goddis signacule [L signaculum similitudinis Dei] for soth þou were, And witȝ pride þou lost þat faire figure.