Middle English Dictionary Entry
tendresse n.
Entry Info
| Forms | tendresse n. Also tendresce. |
| Etymology | OF tendrece, tendresse. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Youth, immaturity; ~ of age; (b) weakness, delicacy; (c) affection, solicitude; (d) grace, favor.
Associated quotations
a
- (1399) RParl.3.451b : Some prayed the Kyng and the Lordes for to have rewarde to tendresse of her age atte that tyme.
b
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)7.4975 : This worthi wif awok, Which thurgh tendresce of wommanhiede Hire vois hath lost for pure drede.
c
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)2.1073 : Mot I nedes..For Moderhed and for tendresse..Ordeigne me for thilke office, As sche which schal be thi Norrice.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)2.2165 : Passe he wolde over the flod..bot he was in drede For tendresce of that swete wiht, For he knew noght the forde ariht.
d
- (1418) Let.War France in Bk.Lond.E.(Gldh LetBk I & K)75/23 : How may the simplesse of pouere lieges better..conceyue the graciouse loue and fauorable tendresse of the kyng her soueraign lord than to here, [etc.].