Middle English Dictionary Entry
superflūe n.
Entry Info
| Forms | superflūe n. Also (error) supeflu. |
| Etymology | L superfluum; also cp. ME superflū(e adj. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) That which exceeds what is normal; (b) an instance of immoderate behavior.
Associated quotations
a
- c1400 Wycl.DSins (Bod 647)146 : Lordes schulden helpe hom, as kepere of a vyneȝerd schulde helpe þo vynes and kutt awey supeflu [read: superflu] þat growes in hom.
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)1a/a : Þe operacions of cirurgiens in þe foresaid parties bene 3..forto lovse continuale, ffor to ioyne separate, and for to cutte away superflue [Ch.(2): þat is to moche; L superfluum]..Superflue is take or kutte away when apostemez bene cured and glandulez bene kutte away.
b
- c1415 Chaucer CT.Pard.(Corp-O 198)C.471 : Ȝong folk..eeten also and drunken ouer al here might, þorugh which þey doon þe deueles sacrifise Wiþinne þe deueles temple in cursed wyse þe Superflues [vrr. superfluys; superfluytees; Heng: superfluytee] abhominable.