Middle English Dictionary Entry
strī(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | strī(e n. Also (error) stroye. |
| Etymology | From OF estrie, AF strie; the form stroye perh. influenced by ME stroi(e n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A witch; also, a hag; -- used as a term of abuse.
Associated quotations
- (c1300) Havelok (LdMisc 108)998 : Of bodi was he mayden clene; Neuere yete..Þit [read: Wit] hire ne wolde leyke ne lye, No more þan it were a strie.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)193/13 : A ffalse stodmere and stynkand stroye [read: strye: rime: avowtry, abye, worthy].
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)176/348 : Com hedyr, thou old stry!