Middle English Dictionary Entry
thē̆orī̆k(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | thē̆orī̆k(e n. Also theoric, theorique. |
| Etymology | ML theōrica & OF theorique, theorike (vars. of teorique n.); also cp. L theōricē. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The general laws or principles governing an aspect of the natural order; also, in the title of a book [last quot.]; (b) a treatise setting forth a system of abstract laws or principles; (c) abstract knowledge of the principles of a subject or discipline as distinguished from its practice; (d) the speculative branch of philosophy; also, the speculative sciences.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1392) ?Westwyk EPlanets (Peterh 75)38/5 : Shortly for to speken of this theorike I sey þt the centre of hir (lune) epicicle..moeuyth equaly aboute the centre of the zodiac.
- a1450(1391) Chaucer Astr.(Benson-Robinson)introd.103 : The fifthe partie shal be an introductorie..in which thou maist lerne a gret part of the generall rewles of theorik in astrologie.
- c1450(c1415) Roy.Serm.(Roy 18.B.23)249/25 : I rede in þe sotell tretize þe Theorike of þe Planetis..þat þe planetis haue epicicles.
b
- a1450(1391) Chaucer Astr.(Benson-Robinson)introd.88 : The fourthe partie shal ben a theorike to declare the moevyng of the celestiall bodies with the causes.
c
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)3a/b : It is required..þat a cirurgien be lettured noȝt only in principalez of Cirurgie but also of phisic als wele in theoric [L theorica] as in practic.
- a1475 Bk.Quint.(Sln 73)1/10 : Wiþinne þis breue tretis..I wole more determine of practif [read: practis] þan of theorik.
- c1500(1446) Morstede Surgery (Hrl 1736)108 : A surgene owyth to have thes condycyons..that he..have that undyrstondynge in the pryncypalles of surgery as in theoryke as in the practyke.
d
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)7.31 : The ferste in special Is Theorique, which is grounded On him which al the world hath founded.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)7.134 : Theologie..is the ferste of Theorique.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)7.624 : Mathematique..grounded is on Theorique.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)7.1499 : These noble Philosophres..Enformeden this yonge king..Of thing which ferst to the partie Belongeth of Philosophie, Which Theorique cleped is.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- a1484 Comment.Hippocrates (Trin-C R.14.52)393/224-5 : Note..that the medicyne may be considered so as is the science: and so of his end is to considre of trouth, as to theorik.
Note: Ed.: "theorik(e) n. 'theoretical knowledge of a subject'."
Note: Additional quot., ?sense (c).
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- ?a1500(?a1425) Boeth.Bk.Comfort (BodAuct F.3.5)236/279 : The heyer party of wisdam begynnes with 'T', callyd theoryk and that is wisdam [in] inward thynges callyd..lyf contemplatyf.
Note: Additional (and non-Gower) quot. for sense (d).