Middle English Dictionary Entry
stẹ̄r(e adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | stẹ̄r(e adj. Also stēr(e & (early SWM) steor. |
| Etymology | Perh. from OE (cp. OHG stiuri, MLG stūr(e, MDu. stuur, stuyr); the form stēor may belong to ME stọ̄r(e adj. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Of persons or animals: strong, hardy; of objects: sturdy; (b) powerful; ?also, harsh, tyrannical; (c) steadfast, faithful; (d) ?prosperous; (e) important, great; (f) as adv.: firmly, securely; sturdily.
Associated quotations
a
- a1325(?c1300) NPass.(Cmb Gg.1.1)1104 : Þe Ieues..token scourges stark and ster, And betin him.
- c1390(a1325) Ipotis (Vrn)440 : God..was I-bounde to a piler, Beten wiþ scourges stronge and ster.
- a1500(?a1475) Guy(4) (Cmb Ff.2.38)662 : Then came the dewke Raynere, An hardy knyght and a stere.
b
- c1300 Evang.(Dlw 22)509 : Þat time was mihtful ant fer, Augustus cesar ant strong ant ster.
- a1500(c1465) SEChron.(Lamb 306)9 : He wax so stoute and stere a yens the Bretens that thei lovid him nought.
c
- c1300(?c1225) Horn (Cmb Gg.4.27)77/1344 : He luueþ him so dere & is him so stere.
d
- c1425 Evang.(BodAdd C.38)508 : Þat tyme was myghtful & stere; augustus cesar was stronge & fere.
e
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)177 : He was mete-custi, þat is monscipe steor.
f
- c1390 Marie Mayden (Vrn)49 : A studi steer þer stod ful steere [rime: weore] For steeres-men þat bi stremes gun stray.
- c1450 Lond.Chron.Cleo.(Cleo C.4)120 : Stedes þer stumbelyd in þt stownde þt stood stere, stuffed vnder stele.