Middle English Dictionary Entry
surnā̆p(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | surnā̆p(e n. |
| Etymology | ONF sournappe & AL surnapa. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. overnape (s.v. nape n.(2)), save-nap(e n.
1.
A cloth for a table, esp. a protective overcloth laid for handwashing; also, a napkin; -- also coll.; maken ~, to ready the overcloth for formal handwashing.
Associated quotations
- (1367) Plea & Mem.R.Lond.Gildh.73 : [11] savenaps [and] surnaps.
- (1381-2) Acc.R.Dur.in Sur.Soc.103592 : Pro panno de Reynes empt. pro surnape pro tabul. d'ni Prioris et pro le deis refectorii, 49 s. 4 d.
- (1397) Inquis.Miscel.(PRO)6.171 : [A] surnap [with 2 towels of] Paris [work].
- (1400) Will York in Sur.Soc.4276 : Item..nappariam de opere principali tabula in aula de Bolton..cum surnap' et towale de predicto opere..Item..nappariam..cum surnape et tawell.
- (1415) Reg.Chichele in Cant.Yk.S.42 (Lamb 69)46 : Item, j surnap of raynes of v ȝerd and a quarter.
- (1450) Lin.DDoc.39/23 : Item, ij Surnapes of Raynes wroght.
- a1475 Bk.Courtesy (Sln 1986)810 : When þe lorde hase eten, þo sewer schalle bryng þo surnape.
- a1475 Russell Bk.Nurt.(Hrl 4011)237 : The surnape ye shulle make..with a clothe vndir a dowble of riȝt feire napry.
- 1790(1471-1472) Ordin.Househ.Edw.IV(2) (Topham)32 : Dayly this usher maketh his towell or surnape.
- 1790(1471-1472) Ordin.Househ.Edw.IV(2) (Topham)38 : If the Kinge kepe estate in his chambyr, these usshers make the estate in the surnape, like as the marchall doth in the hall.
- a1500 Rule Serve Ld.(Add 37969)13/29 : Then shall þe sewer..let þe surnape with þe towell Rynne vppon the durmant.