Middle English Dictionary Entry
tossen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | tossen v. P.ppl. tossid, tost. |
| Etymology | ?From ON (cp. Norw. & Swed. dial. tossa to strew, spread); ?from ME tōsen v.(1). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
To buffet (sb. or sth.) about, agitate, toss; also [1st quot.], sift or winnow (sth.);—used fig.
Associated quotations
- c1450 Spec.Chr.(2) (Hrl 6580)202/27 : Lo! the feende has askede ȝou that he myghte trouble and tosse [SC(1): cribraret] ȝou; As corne is rydelde, aman is so rydelde that is examyned inwardly and perfythly.
- a1500 Chartier Quad.(2) (Rwl A.338)154/2 : A shippe is possid or tossid hiddir and thidir [F degetee] by tempest of the see.
- a1500 Swet Ihesus is cum (BodPoet e.1)p.59 : The Jewes truly Had grete enuy..thei hym tost, And at a post Thei bownd hym lyk a thefe.