Middle English Dictionary Entry
stǒutnes(se n.
Entry Info
| Forms | stǒutnes(se n. |
| Etymology | From stǒut(e adj. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Prideful behavior, haughtiness; rebelliousness; ?also, unconsidered or arbitrary behavior, caprice [quot. ?c1425]; (b) glory, honor.
Associated quotations
a
- c1400 Brut-1333 (Rwl B.171)124/12 : He..bicome a gode man and an holy, and lefte al maner pride & stoutenesse.
- a1425(?a1400) RRose (Htrn 409)1936 : He is a foole in sikernesse That with daunger or stoutenesse Rebellith there that he shulde plese.
- ?c1425 Chauliac(2) (Paris angl.25)8/22 : Vnto hym, alle þei beeþ ifounde boþe phisicians and cirurgiens, but after, eyþer for stoutenesse [*Ch.(1): wantonesse; Ch.(4): laches; vr. lachynesse; L lasciuiam] or for ouer moche occupacioun of cures, cirurgie was departed and ȝouen into þe handes of crafty men.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)478 : Stowtnesse, or vnbuxumnesse: Rebellio.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)320/14 : Do stynte of ȝoure stalkyng and of stoutnes be stalland, What traytoures his tong with tales has trapped, That fende for his flateryng full foull sall be falland.
b
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)73b/b : Goddis word settiþ som men to fore oþir..& a comaundiþ þat þey be not busy to gete & to wynne here owne ioye & stoutnes [L gloriam], but to saue & meyntene þe riȝt of subiectis.
2.
Physical strength.
Associated quotations
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)478 : Stowtnesse, or strenghe: Robur.
3.
?Guile, craftiness, trickery [translating L astutia].
Associated quotations
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)41b/b : Ȝif þe place of teeres þat folewiþ to þe cornere of þe yȝe is moche fleisschy..it signifieþ stowtnes & euel informacioun [L astutia et formatio mala].