Middle English Dictionary Entry

bīlden v.
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Entry Info

Forms bīlden v. Forms: inf. bīlde(n, bīlede(n, bielde, bīle; būlde(n, buylde(n, beolden; bẹ̄lde, beelde, beyl; p. bild(e, billed, bilt(e, bīlded(e, bīled; bulde, bult(e; belde, bẹ̄lded; ppl. i)bild, i)bilt, bīlded, bīled; i)buld, bulled; i)beld, belt, i)bẹ̄lded, beeld(ed, beilded.
Etymology OE byldan, bylde, byld (rare). The word is chiefly Southwestern until c1350. It overlaps bẹ̄lden both in form and meaning.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. the synonym biggen.
1.
To make one's home (in a place); settle, dwell, live; ~ boures, make one's home; ben bilded (ibilt), be quartered, have one's lodging.
Show 13 Quotations
2a.
(a) To construct, build (a house, church, altar, etc.); build (a city); set up (a tent); ~ up; (b) ~ ayen, to rebuild, restore (a house, city, etc.); (c) to build (a nest); (d) to make or dig (a trench).
Show 41 Quotations
2b.
To engage in construction or building; build, build up; ~ aboute, build a surrounding wall.
Show 5 Quotations
3.
To found (a city); establish (a religious house); ~ first; ~ up.
Show 10 Quotations
4.
Fig. (a) To edify; promote (Christianity); remedy (ills); build (a mansion in heaven); ~ to hel-ward, progress or go to perdition; (b) to base or found one's faith (on solid ground, etc.); ~ above, build on a foundation.
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5.
(a) To fashion or create (sth.); organize (a siege); bring into being; ~ blis, arouse joy; ~ in herte, imagine; (b) ~ into, to transform into (sth.).
Show 8 Quotations
6.
To provide (living quarters); provide (sb.) with the necessities; secure provision.
Show 4 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • a1475 Gawain & CC (Brog 2.1) 653 : In the towne of mery Carelyle He lete hit bylde stronge and wele, Hit is a byschoppis see.
    • Note: Additional quote(s)

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