Middle English Dictionary Entry
skelpen v.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | skelpen v.(1) Also skelp(e; p. skelpte; ppl. skelpt. |
| Etymology | Cp. MnE dial. skelp to strike; ?ult. Celt. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
To scourge (sb.), beat, strike.
Associated quotations
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)222/81 : He skelpte oute of score Þat stately stode selland þer store.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)331/338 : Skelpe hym with scourges and with skathes hym scorne.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)1924 : Ledis me him hedire Þat I may him skelp with a skorge.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)251/250 : I wold spende all my spence To se hym ones skelpt.