Middle English Dictionary Entry

bī̆rde n.(1)
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Entry Info

Forms bī̆rde n.(1) Also bīrd, būrde, buirde, bẹ̄rde, (? borde), brid.
Etymology In later ME the word is largely confined to alliterative poetry and to allit. phrases in riming verse. It appears to be the same word as bīrde, early variant of birthe (q.v., esp. 3a), from OE ge)byrd, ge)byrdo 'birth, lineage, etc.' As a poetic expression, it became separated from everyday birthe. As a partial synonym of the familiar brīde 'young woman, bride', it is sometimes confused with it.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
A woman of noble birth; damsel, lady, lady in waiting; fre iboren ~; also, woman; -- frequ. in allit. phrases: ~ bright, fair lady; ~ in boure, damsel in bower; bern and ~, lord and lady; ~ and barn, woman and child; burden-chaumber, the ladies' apartment.
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2.
Used of the Virgin Mary.
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3.
(a) A man of noble birth; scion, lord (cp. birthe 3a 'child, son'); also, any young person [quot.: a1450]; (b) used of Christ: child, scion.
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Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • c1450 Terms Assoc.(2) (Cmb Ll.1.18)231 : A pympe of birdez.
    • Note: Additional quote(s)

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