Middle English Dictionary Entry
straif n.
Entry Info
| Forms | straif n. Also streif, streive, straf, stref; pl. straifs, straives, straivus, streives. |
| Etymology | From strai n., influenced by weif n.; also cp. AF straif (see 1st quot.). For quots. 1365, etc. cp. ONF estrai abandoned property (FEW 12.241b). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. estreif n.
1.
= strai n. 1.(a); also, any movable property of which the owner is unknown, waif [quot. 1365 & perh. a few others]; weif and ~.
Associated quotations
- [ (1416) RParl.4.104b : Et auxint Chateux des Futifs & de Felons, Waifs & Straifs, & Chateux de ceux queux sont utlagez. ]
- (1355) Reg.Edw.Blk.Pr.3.206 : [He claims view of frankpledge appurtenant to his said manor, and] weif [and] stref.
- (1365) Reg.Edw.Blk.Pr.3.475 : [He claims to have for his own use all the goods found with the thief which can be adjudged as] pelf [and..he claims a third part of all chattels found within the said manor which can be called] straff [and he and his heirs have to take charge of the remaining two-thirds at his own expense until answer be made to the prince therefor].
- (1372) Chart.R.PRO5.227 : [They shall have all animals called] wayf [and] strayf [found in their lands..unless any follow and prove ownership].
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)prol.94 : Somme seruen þe kyng and his siluer tellen, In cheker and in chancerye chalengen his dettes Of wardes and wardmotes, weyues and streyues [vr. strayes; C: strayues; vr. strayuus].
- (1415) Inquis.Miscel.(PRO)7.295 : [The miners have had and should have had..all cattle called] waifs [and] straifs [found in the moor].
- (1439) Chart.R.PRO6.4 : [Richard II granted to the abbot and convent..that they should have their own coroner and] weyf [and] streyf [and chattels of felons].
- (1441) Chart.R.PRO6.28 : [They shall have..all animals called] wayf [or] straif [found upon their lands..unless any follow them and prove ownership or unless they be claimed within a certain..time].
- (1446) Chart.R.PRO6.71 : [They shall have..all chattels called] weyve [and] streyve.
- (1447-8) Shillingford99 : He and his predecessours..have had view of Frank Plegge, weif and straif, and all other profits longing to a viewe.
- (1466) Chart.R.PRO6.212 : [The abbot and convent shall have..all goods and chattels called] waif [or] straif [and treasure trove in all their lands].