Middle English Dictionary Entry
smerl n.
Entry Info
| Forms | smerl n. Also smerle, smerel. |
| Etymology | From smē̆rels n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) An ointment used to anoint a dead body; (b) an unguent used to consecrate someone; also, the act of anointing a king [1st quot.]; (c) the wet clay used by Christ to restore sight.
Associated quotations
a
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)11503 : Bot attropa gaf gift o mir, A smerl o selcuth bitturnes þat dedman cors wit smerld es.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)14004 : A smerl þat was o pris ful dere, þis vntement wit hir sco bere.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)16871 : Wit winding clath and riche smerl [Göt: smerel] his biriing mad þai bun.
b
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)7334 : Þis saul haue þai mad þair king Wit smerl and als wit coruning.
- a1400 NVPsalter (Vsp D.7)132.2 : Þe smerle in heued onon, Falles in berde, berde ofe Aaron.
c
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)13546 : Wit þis vn-to þe erth he spitt And wit þat erth he menged it, And tok he o þat smerl a-wai, And smerd þar-wit his oþer ei.