Middle English Dictionary Entry
spurn(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | spurn(e n. Also sporn. |
| Etymology | From spurnen v. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A fall, tumble; also fig.; finden a ~, to stumble, trip; holden (a) ~, fig. prevent a fall, withstand; (b) a kick; fig. a great blow; (c) so gret a ~, with such a rush, at such a rate.
Associated quotations
a
- c1390(?c1350) Jos.Arim.(Vrn)581 : He was so forfouȝten þat he hedde no space spedly him-seluen forto do him no dispit; þe sporn was his owne.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)4324 : Qua folus lang, wit-outen turn, Oft his fote sal find a spurn [Göt: spurne].
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)19414 : Wit spece þai gaue him mani turn, Bot nan gain him moght hald spurn [Göt: a spurn].
- 1600(?a1425) Chester Pl.(Hrl 2013)7/157 : Beware you of this cheere, least that you have a fowle spurne.
b
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)23779 : Qua herd a caitiuer chrahun crachun, þat will noght bide to giue a spurn?
- a1500(?a1450) GRom.(Hrl 7333)323 : He lifte vp his foote and gafe him a spurne a-ȝen þe brest.
- a1500 The last tyme (Cmb Ff.5.48)p.309 : He gafe my maydenhed a spurne And rofe my bell[-ey].
c
- a1450(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Lamb 131)12759 : Wawayn..byheld Þat he cam so gret a spurne, He had no leyser his hors to turne.