Middle English Dictionary Entry
strik(e n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | strik(e n.(1) Also stric, strek(e; pl. strikes, strickes, strikkes, strekes. |
| Etymology | OE strica |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. strake n.(2), strik(e n.(2).
1.
(a) A line, stroke; a mark used in writing to indicate an addition, a division, deletion, or the like; a written sign or character; (b) a line made on the surface of an astronomical instrument; a mark or stroke marking a division on such a surface; (c) a line in the palm of the hand; also, a line or streak in a woven pattern of silk; (d) a streak of liquid made to flow on a bodily surface; (e) a band or strip of gold on a piece of jeweled work.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Esth.10.3 : Þis chapitre..with obelo, þat is, with a stric [WB(2): a spite; L obelo] wee han befor notid.
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)3.249 : Esdras..fonde up newe manere titles and strikes [vrr. strickes, strykkes] to write among þe lettres [L apices litterarum] þat were liȝtere to wrytinge and to spekynge.
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)4.37 : Þey made strikes [Higd.(2): signes] liche as ounces beeþ i-write, and beeþ also i-cleped oboly, to schewe þat þere is more þan is in þe Hebrewes bookes.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)479 : Strek [Win: Streke], or poynt be-twyx ij clausys yn a boke: Liminiscus.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)499 : Tracyn, or draw strykys: Protraho.
- ?a1475 PParv.(Win)69 : Cancellynge, or streke of false worde: Obolus.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)3024 : The shede þurghe the shyre here shone as þe lilly, Streght as a strike, straght þurgh the myddes.
b
- (c1392) ?Westwyk EPlanets (Peterh 75)26/3 : Wt þt moeuable poynt mak a marke astrik in the label & fasteby the strik writ sa. for saturne.
- a1450(1391) Chaucer Astr.(Benson-Robinson)1.9.4 : Next this folewith the cercle of the daies, that ben figured in manere of degres..dividid also with longe strikes fro 5 to 5.
- a1450(1391) Chaucer Astr.(Benson-Robinson)1.19.2,5 : From this cenyth..there comen a maner croked strikes like to the clawes of a loppe..in kervyng overthwart the almykanteras, And these same strikes or divisiouns ben clepid azimutz.
- a1450(1391) Chaucer Astr.(Benson-Robinson)2.38.27 : Tak me than a rule and draw a strike evene a-lyne, fro the pyn unto the middel prikke.
c
- c1450 Metham Palm.(Gar 141)86/32 : Yff the space with-in the tryangyl be brod and pleyn with-owte strekys and wele colouryd, yt sygnyfyith largenes and hardynes.
- (1466) Rec.St.Stephen in Archaeol.5042 : j pyllowe of whyte sylke with blewe strykes ouer twerte and elonges, chekerwyse.
- a1500 Metham Palm.(AS 81)89/24-6 : Yef in the same lyne be suche strykys descende and in the myddys be cutte or deuyded with other lynes or strekes, these lynes signifyeth grete vexacion, trobles, and angres.
d
- c1450 Med.Bk.(1) (Med-L 136)132/351 : Of the same Juys make A strike fro the place wher thow wilt haue itt come owt.
e
- (1462) Paston (EETS)1.108 : A nowche of gold of the facion of a busshell, wyth a baleys..and a square diamant, losenged wyth a strike of gold.