Middle English Dictionary Entry
spasmen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | spasmen v. P.ppl. spasmed & (error) spamed. |
| Etymology | From L spasmāre. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To be afflicted with spasms; convulse, cramp; (b) to afflict (a bodily part) with spasms, cause to cramp; ben spasmed, be afflicted with spasms.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)51b/a : Where forsoþ beþ tenonthez & neruez & vnflesshye & bony regionz, it is perile for to ake & wake & spasme [Ch.(2): to be cramped; L spasmari] and for to raue.
- c1475(1392) *MS Wel.564 (Wel 564)94b/b : This akynge makiþ..þe cours of humouris, þe whiche ben drunken in to þe senewy membris, and maken hem to schrynken..and to spasmen by cause of repleccioun.
b
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)51b/a : To whom so euer ydemata, i. tumours or bolnyngez, appereþ in vlcerez, þai ar not spasmed [vr. spamed].
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)57a/b : When þe noying comeþ to þe brayne..it draweþ togider þe neruez & neruous membrez & spasmeþ [Ch.(2): crampeþ; L spasmat] hem.
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)68b/b : Signez of hote aposteme..ar take of many þingez..4a. of vertuez, for þai ar alienate & spasmed & frenetiked.