Middle English Dictionary Entry
superfice n.
Entry Info
| Forms | superfice n. Also (errors) superstice, superfyte. |
| Etymology | OF; also cp. L superficiēs. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. superficie n.
1.
(a) The outer surface or exterior of the body; (b) geom. a plane surface having dimensions of length and width only, superficies; in the ~ of, very close to (sth.).
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)3.pr.8.51 : Whoso lokide thanne in the entrayles of the body of Alcibiades, that was ful fair in the superfice [vr. superfyte] withoute, it schulde seme ryght foul.
- a1450 Chauliac(4) (Cai 336/725)26/22 : Of wounde maad wiþ kuttynge or þoruȝ kuttinge wiþ fracture of þe sculle wiþoute lesynge of ony of þe substaunce, persinge from þe superfice in-to þe innest partie [L vsque ad interiorem superficiem penetrante].
b
- c1400 *Chaucer Astr.(Brussels 4869)[1.21] 83a : Under whiche lyne, whan that the sunne & the mone ben lyne-ryȝt or ellis in the superfice of this lyne, thanne is the eclips of the sunne or of the mone.
- a1450(1391) Chaucer Astr.(Benson-Robinson)1.21.42 : The zodiak in hevene is ymagyned to ben a superfice [vr. superstice] contenyng a latitude of 12 degrees, whereas alle the remenaunt of cercles in the hevene ben ymagyned verrey lynes withoute eny latitude.