Middle English Dictionary Entry
sparren v.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | sparren v.(2) Also sparen. |
| Etymology | Origin unknown; ?cp. F (17th cent.) esparer to kick & OE sperran to strike. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. sperren v.
1.
To go quickly, rush, dart, spring; ~ forth (oute).
Associated quotations
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)1169 : Ryȝt as I sparred vnto þe bonc, Þat bratþe [?read: brathþe] out of my drem me brayde.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)2975 : With þat he brochis his blonke þat þe blode fames, Sparis [Dub: Sparrys] out spacly as sparke out of gledes.
- a1500 Wars Alex.(Dub 213)1226 : Then arestes, an athell man & ay elike feghtez, Sparres forth [Ashm: Spirris out] with a spere & spedes hys mightez.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)6690 : Þen Teuser with tene turnyt to Ector, Sparrit to hym with a speire spitusly fast.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)6914 : He put hym to Paris..Sparrit at hym with a spere spitusly fast.