Middle English Dictionary Entry
staf-ful adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | staf-ful adj. |
| Etymology | ?From staf n. & ful adj.; also cp. ON: cp. Norw. stappfull. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Full to the utmost; also, filled full of food, stuffed [2nd quot.].
Associated quotations
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)494 : Thaȝ hym wordez were wane when þay to sete wenten, Now ar þay stoken of sturne werk, staf-ful her hond.
- c1400 Serm.in Med.St.33 (Cmb Ii.3.8)67 : Rusticano modo respondens dicit: 'ich am staffol.'
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)1543 : A Mitre Was..fret full of perrils, Stiȝt staffull of stanes þat straȝt out bemes, As it ware shemerand shaftis.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4897 : Seuenty wyndows..ware coruen full clene & clustrid with gemmes, Stiȝt staffull of stanes.
- a1475 Liber Cocorum (Sln 1986)p.34 : Do hit [venison] in a barel þenne; þe barel staf ful as I þe kenne.
- a1500 9 PPGod(4) (Hrl 2409)455 : For me is wele leuere..Ane almouse-dede..Þan alle þe hylles we[r] brynnand golde And stafful were stoppyde of syluer in horde.