Middle English Dictionary Entry
smọ̄thenes(se n.
Entry Info
| Forms | smọ̄thenes(se n. |
| Etymology | From smọ̄th(e adj. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Smoothness, evenness.
Associated quotations
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)227b/a : Naþeles in leues is many maner grace of smil and sauour, of colour, of smeþenesse, of vertu, and of might; for it plesiþ and conforteþ..þe sight wiþ colour, and handlynge & tonge wiþ softenesse and smoþenesse.
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)5.m.4.18 : We ben wont somtyme by a swift poyntel to fycchen lettres emprientid in the smothnesse or in the pleynesse of the table of wex or in parchemyn that ne hath no figure ne note in it.
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)89b/b : Fistule of þe eie..is certified bi touchyng of a probe, ffor if it be in þe bone þer is feled roȝnez or sharpnez; If forsoþ it be in þe flesh, softnez & liȝtnez or smoþenez.