Middle English Dictionary Entry
spīring(e ger.
Entry Info
| Forms | spīring(e ger. Also speringe. |
| Etymology | From spīren v.(3). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Germinating; also, pl. new growth; (b) producing offshoots and ears on grain; also, an offshoot, a sprout; -- used fig.
Associated quotations
a
- a1500(?a1425) Lambeth SSecr.(Lamb 501)73/5 : Trees er cled with newe leuys, þe erthe ys fair wyth spirynges.
- a1500 PParv.(KC 8)74 : Chickyng, or spyryng, of corne: Germinacio.
b
- c1425 Mirror LM&W (Hrl 45)112/12 : Þe spirynge an þe florisshinge..of þe corn bitokeneth a man þat doth wel.
- a1500 Det peruynkkle (MdstCKS U182.Z1)p.257 : That bryghte brere schel sprede an sperynge That ys greffit wyt grace.