Middle English Dictionary Entry
actǒur n.
Entry Info
| Forms | actǒur n. |
| Etymology | L & OF |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A doer, a maker; (b) ~ of curing, that which brings about a cure; (c) a guardian, a steward; (d) law one who brings suit at law, the plaintiff.
Associated quotations
a
- (1461) RParl.5.476b : The same Henry, actour, factour and provoker of the seid Commocion..shamefully refused theym.
b
- c1425 Arderne Fistula (Sln 6)87/32 : Natural hete in þe body, which is principal actour of curyng, expireþ out of ofte remeuyng of a wounde.
c
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))Gal.4.2 : How moche tyme the eyr is litil, he dyuersith no thing fro a seruaunt..but he is vndir tutouris and actouris [vr. kepers; L actoribus].
d
- c1460 Oseney Reg.198/13 : In plee þe which was bitwene religiouse men, Abbot and Couent of Oseneye..actorres..and Master Richard Malyngton.
- c1460 Oseney Reg.201/24 : Þe merites of þe plee..bituene thabbot and couent of Oseney, actorrs, of þe oone partie, and þe saide Sir Symonde, gilty, of þe oþer.
- a1475 Godstow Reg.(Rwl B.408)47/32 : The seyd person, actor & doer, is not within the bondes of hys parisshe of wyhtham, & so he may not aske tethys.