Middle English Dictionary Entry
trai(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | trai(e n. Also trei. |
| Etymology | From traien v.; the exclamation in 1st quot. is derived ultimately from OF trai, p.ppl. of träir. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A trick, deceitful device; also, treason, treachery; also used as a cry of distress: treason! treachery! [1st quot]; treisoun and ~.
Associated quotations
- a1450(c1410) Lovel.Merlin (Corp-C 80)14130 : Now, barouns, let Se, kythe here ȝoure myht To reskwen the kyng here with ȝoure fyht..And evere he cride, 'Tray, tray tray!'
- a1450 Gener.(1) (Mrg M 876)7150 : That we wer homward, I you pray, For euer I drede me of som fals tray.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)256/60 : Oure knyghtis þai are furth wente To take hym with a traye; By þis I holde hym shente, He can not wende away.
- a1400 Siege Jerus.(1) (LdMisc 656)723 : Þus ended coursed Cayphas & his clerkes alle, Al to-brused myd bestes, brent at þe laste, In tokne of tresoun & trey þat he wroȝt, Whan Crist þrow his conseil was cacched to deþ.
- c1450(?a1400) Quatref.Love (Add 31042)64 : Ther is no lyf [read: luf] þat lastis ay With-owtten treson and tray, Bot if it bygyn thare.