Middle English Dictionary Entry
spar-box n.
Entry Info
| Forms | spar-box n. Also sparebox. |
| Etymology | From box n.(2). The 1st element is prob. a back formation from sparre-stōne n.; cp. MLG spārglas a kind of glass, spērpulver pulverized mica, & spērstein mica. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. sparre-stone n.
1.
Some kind of container, prob. made of crystalline mineral.
Associated quotations
- (1432-3) Doc.Merchant York in Sur.Soc.12939 : Item, ij spare boxes boght, ij s. vj d.
- (1439) Plea & Mem.R.Lond.Gildh.19 : [One goblet with gilt covercle, made in the manner of a] sparbox [weighing 4 lbs. 6 oz. at 32 s. the lb.].