Middle English Dictionary Entry
smọ̄then v.
Entry Info
| Forms | smọ̄then v. P.ppl. ismọ̄thed. |
| Etymology | From smọ̄th(e adj. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. smethen v.
1.
(a) ?To make (sth.) smooth, polish; ?strike (a coin); ppl. ismothed, smoothed; of words: polished, specious; (b) to calm (winds); of waves: become calm; (c) to flatter (sb.), cajole.
Associated quotations
a
- (1340) Ayenb.(Arun 57)57/21 : Of heauede hit biualþ þet þe speche is grat zenne uor þet hi deþ grat kuead þaȝ hy by uayre and ysmoþed [Vices & V.(2): wel y-polissched and coloured].
- ?a1440 Hortus (Brist-U)275 : Cuso: to efte smytyn or smothyn or grauyn.
- (?1440) Palladius (DukeH d.2)4.430 : A bough yf that thou sette, a foote hym gage..And of the claue Is best an handful greet in crassitude; Ereyther ende ysmothed is to haue And cubital let make her longitude.
b
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)2.1726 : Þe se wexe calme, & smoþe gan þe wawe, So þat..For al þe tempest, persschid was not on.
- a1450(1408) *Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)115a : Þe hete of þe sonne smotheþ & swageþ the scharpe blastes of þe wyndes.
c
- c1425 Found.St.Barth.46/2 : In his slepe his olde ennemy apperid to hym yn the forme of a right fair womane..And whan, with flaterynge blandysh A goodwhyle she hadde flateryd hym And smothid hym, she put a litill bird yn to his moweth And so apperid no more.