Middle English Dictionary Entry
spavein(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | spavein(e n. Also spaven; pl. spaveinis, etc. & (error) spadinges. |
| Etymology | From OFespavain, var. of esparvain; cp. ML spavenus. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A swelling on the leg of a horse causing lameness, spavin; also in fig. context; ?also, a disease causing lameness in horses [1st quot.]; cacchen ~, to be afflicted with a swelling or similar ailment; expounen spaveines, ?discuss horse ailments.
Associated quotations
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)467 : Spaveyne [Win: Spaveyn], horsys maledy [KC: sore].
- c1450 *Bk.Marchalsi (Hrl 6398)11b : Auise þe wel of soros and of galez and of fourmes and of spaueynis [vr. spadinges] and of courbe.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)151 : My mouht j clepe mensoige, For it draweth of the spaueyne [F l'espavain].
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)152 : At a molle hille j stumblede and fil doun and spaveyned me..My mayme and my spaveyne j clepe mentirye.
- a1500 The mone in (Adv 19.3.1)p.84 : Tho reyncus of Radforde wer redy at a ronswer For to expond the spavens of the spade halfe.
- a1605(?a1430) Lydg.Pilgr.(Stw 952(2))18184 : Myn haunche is callyd lesynge, and my tonge forswerynge; and, to this twayn, trechery is famylyar..by hyre..myne haunche cawhte this spaven [F l'espavain].
- a1605(?a1430) Lydg.Pilgr.(Stw 952(2))18226 : I fell doune; and..I cawht a great spavayne vpon my lege, whiche made me for to halt.