Middle English Dictionary Entry
tī̆re n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | tī̆re n.(1) Also tirus, tiri & (?error) tree. |
| Etymology | ML tirus & OF tir, tire. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A kind of extremely poisonous viper.
Associated quotations
- (a1398) Trev.Barth.(Add 27944:Seymour)1104/19 : Some bestes..beþ al contrary to mannes complexioun..as þe addre tyrus [L tiri].
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)112b/b : Of ministracioun of serpentez..þe flesh of a vipere or of a tiri [Ch.(2): tyrus]..is of þe more gode medicynez to it.
- ?a1425 Chauliac(1) (NY 12:Wallner)4.40/16 : Tiriacle & flesh of tyrez..helpeþ and putteþ out al venemouste to þe skyn.
- a1500(1471) *Ripley CAlch.(Ashm 1486)610 : Thys water is lyke vnto ye venymous tree wherwith ye myghtye triacle is wrouȝte For it is poyson strongeste.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- a1484 De Retard.Senect.(Trin-C R.14.52)161/325 : In euery thyng the high God hath set and put propirte and grete help, ther he hath set or pur noyaunce in as moche for the kepyng, as tired, oile, and gold [L ut in tiro et elleboro et auro].
Note: Ed.: "tire n. 'a snake whose venom is both poisonous and curative'."
Note: Additional quot.