Middle English Dictionary Entry
toi(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | toi(e n. |
| Etymology | Origin unknown; ?cp. MDu. tooy attire, finery or Du. tuig tools, stuff. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A trifle, trifling thing; a sportive act; a jest.
Associated quotations
- a1400(c1303) Mannyng HS (Hrl 1701)7891 : Þarefore lordynges þat kun wel se, Amendeþ ȝow, pur charyte, And makeþ nat a-mys þe toye, Þat þe fende of ȝou haue Ioye.
- c1450(c1405) Mum & S.(2) (Add 41666)120 : Þe poure peuple hath prece of þaym many Forto telle þaym þaire toyes twyes a woke.
- c1450 ?C.d'Orl.Poems (Hrl 682)146/4342 : As in oon thing..Thorugh which þat any wight shulde þynk or grope, lo yondir toy hit is for me or she, And alle in vayne to doon hem so to hope..But god of loue yow blesse from þat myschefe.
- c1450 ?C.d'Orl.Poems (Hrl 682)164/4897 : To wrappe me in a sepulture Me sittith bet, as wisly god me saue, Then in myn armes a newe ladi haue. Now bi my soth that were a worthi toy.