Middle English Dictionary Entry
trappen v.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | trappen v.(1) Also trap(pe; p. trappid, trapt; ppl. trapped(e, trappe. |
| Etymology | From OE -træppan (as in betræppan) or ME trappe n.(1). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. bitrappen v.
1.
(a) To ensnare (an animal, a bird), catch in a trap; encircle (sb.); also, capture (sb., a horse); (b) fig. and in fig. contexts.
Associated quotations
a
- a1450(?c1421) Lydg.ST (Arun 119)1830 : Bet was to sende than hym-silf to gon Lest he were trapped among his mortal fon.
- a1425 *Medulla (Stnh A.1.10)67a/a : Trico: to fowle trappe or snarle.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)499 : Trappyn a-bowtyn, or closyn: Vallo, circumdo.
- a1450(a1400) Titus & V.(Add 36523)2825 : Þe Jewes were trappede and holden inne For þei were combrede all with synne.
- ?c1450 St.Cuth.(Eg 3309)5732 : Þare ware aboute many theues, Þat many lele men oft greues, ware lyke þat horse to trapp.
- (1461) Paston2.231 : The noise cam sodeynly..for he was besy to trappe me.
- 1483 Cath.Angl.(Monson 168)391 : Trappe with a gylder: illaqueare.
- a1500(?a1410) Lydg.CB (Lnsd 699)77 : The brid was trappid & cauht in a panteere.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)128/371 : Me thoght with a gyn A fatt shepe he trapt bot he mayde no dyn.
b
- c1390 Talking LGod (Vrn)36/30 : Þreo foos fihten aȝeynes me faste..Þe deuel wiþ his sleihþes And wiþ his queynte crokes, to trappe me loþliche to drawe me to helle.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)5.2708 : He drowh Gret coveitise into his mynde, And sette his honour fer behynde. Thus he, whom gold hath overset, Was trapped in his oghne net.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)4.3166 : Lyke as it fareth of lovers euerychon..Þei haue no myȝt nor power to be ware, Til þei vnwarly be trapped in þe snare, Her maladie is so furious.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)499 : Trappyd, or be-trappyd and gylyd: Deceptus, illaqueatus, decipulatus.
- 1447 Bokenham Sts.(Arun 327)300 : Oure gostly enmye..is euer boun Mankende to trappe.
- a1450 Castle Persev.(Folg V.a.354)2098 : Þou, deuyl, wyth wyckyd wyl In paradys trappyd us wyth tresun.
- ?c1450 St.Cuth.(Eg 3309)7188 : And in fleschely syn, on happe, Thurgh ill occasion be trappe.
- c1475 Body Pol.(Cmb Kk.1.5)92/16 : Coppewebbis toke not the grete flyes..but..feble butturflyes..So in lyke wyse it is of the lawes, For the grete and myghty breken theim often tymes and passe thoroughe theim withoute any feer, but the pour men be taken and trapped.
- c1475 Mankind (Folg V.a.354)855 : Yf ȝe fele ȝoursylfe trappyd in þe snare of your gostly enmy, Aske mercy anon; be ware of þe contynuance.
- a1500(a1400) Ipom.(1) (Chet 8009)2021 : But she ne rekkyd wheder he come or nouȝt; Ageynste the tyme he come, scho movȝte [read: thovȝte] To trappen hym wyth a trayne.