Middle English Dictionary Entry
sī̆ser n.
Entry Info
| Forms | sī̆ser n. Also sicer, ciser(e, cisar, seser. |
| Etymology | L sī̆cera, AL sī̆sera, cī̆sera, cī̆sara, cesera; also cp. OE sicera (from L). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. sider n.
1.
Strong drink, intoxicating drink, prob. fermented juice of fruit.
Associated quotations
- (c1375) Chaucer CT.Mk.(Manly-Rickert)B.3245 : This Sampsoun neuere ciser [vr. siser] drank, ne wyn.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)12679 : He dranc neuer cisar ne wine.
- a1400 Cursor (Göt Theol 107)10982 : He sale..nouþer wyne ne seser [Vsp: ciser] drink.
- c1400 WBible(1) (Rwl C.258)Luke 1.15 : Cyser [Dc 369(2): He..schal not drynke wyn and sydir; L siceram].
- a1425 Daniel *Treat.Uroscopy (Wel 225)115/1415,1419 : Sum sais þat diuretyk is stale & defyyd, as hony lange tym kepyt, lange tym lyen; sycer or lyquor o þe 2 ȝer or 3; & as stale ale & wyn wele restyd & defyyd..Stiptyk new & onstale & ondefyyd, as new wyn, new ale, new sicer, new frut, & syk oþer.
- a1500(?a1390) Mirk Fest.(GoughETop 4)139/37 : Thys Iamys was soo holy..þat he dranke no wyne ny syser ne ale.
- a1500 Mirror Salv.(Beeleigh)p.116 : Teres of synners certein..Ere wyne and Cisere to seintis and to godde almyghty.