Middle English Dictionary Entry
spalden v.
Entry Info
| Forms | spalden v. Also spalde, spaude, spolden, spoute; p.ppl. spalddid, spaudid, -it. |
| Etymology | MDu. spouden, spalden & MLG spalden, spōlden. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: For sense (b) cp. spaunen v.
1.
(a) To break (sth.) apart, shatter (a ship); ppl. spalddid, shattered, splintered; (b) to cut open (a fish).
Associated quotations
a
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)3699 : Be thane speris whare spronngen, spalddyd chippys.
- ?c1475 *Cath.Angl.(Add 15562)118a : To Spawde: dissoluere; Spawdit [Monson: Spawdyd] as a shippe: dissolutus.
b
- a1333 Gloss.Bibbesw.(Add 46919)538 : [AF (Cmb): Et il seit mulewel de mer Overez le devez e espander; glossed:] spolden [vr. spoute].
- c1400 Femina (Trin-C B.14.40)43 : Ȝyf hyt be melwel of þe zee, Opene hym ȝe shal & spalde [F espander].