Middle English Dictionary Entry
bien-venū n.
Entry Info
| Forms | bien-venū n. Also ben-ven(e)u. |
| Etymology | OF ppl. phrase used as n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The festive welcoming (of a returning lord); (b) as a salutation: welcome!; (c) as a personal name.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)2.1503 : So that sche mai tofore ryde, To ben upon his [the Emperor's] bienvenue The ferste which schal him salue.
- ?c1450 Brut-1447 (Trin-C O.9.1)465/1 : The Maire and þe Aldermen..presented it to the Kyng..to his bien venewe and welcom hoom.
b
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)282/280 : Now bene-veneuew, beuscher, What boodworde haste þou brought?
c
- (c1290) Doc.in HMC Var.Col.7248 : Thomas Benvenu.