Middle English Dictionary Entry
significaunce n.
Entry Info
| Forms | significaunce n. Also signeficaunce. |
| Etymology | OF significance (var. of senefïance) & L significantia. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) An omen; (b) the meaning of a sign, an omen, a dream, etc.; (c) verbal meaning, implication.
Associated quotations
a
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)4.5998 : For þe fleynge of þis foule royal..was a final demonstraunce, Sothfast shewynge & signeficaunce Þat grace..myȝt nat contvne.
b
- a1400 Newberry Lapid.(Nwb Case 32.9)5/26 : We shullen rehercen..þe vertue of othere stones..and the significances: what they signifieden atte aarons necke, and what they signifieden as to þe grete kyngdom.
- a1450(?1420) Lydg.TG (Tan 346)1390 : Til I haue leiser..Forto expoune my forseid visioun And tel in plein þe significaunce.
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)39 : Often axed Vortiger of Merlyn the significance of the two dragons.
- a1500 Chaucer TC (Hrl 3943)5.362 : A strawe for alle sweuenys significauns.
c
- c1440 Chaucer CT.Pars.(Lin-C 110)I.608 : Significance [CC: Lesynges..is fals signifiaunce of worde in entente to desceyuen his euen cristene].