Middle English Dictionary Entry
troke n.
Entry Info
| Forms | troke n. |
| Etymology | Perh. from L troc(h)lea block and tackle, ML troclea a form of or device for torment; cp. L trochus a hoop. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) ?A line or rope, perh. with grappling hooks or block and tackle attached; (b) ?some sort of instrument of torture, perh. a chain or rope employed in crucifixion.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1400(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.2 (Petyt 511)p.170 : Richard..com with a suowe, þat þe schip to rof; þe schip cast trokes out, þe galeie to þam drouh.
b
- a1475 In place (Hrl 3954)178 : He was in suffryng Of trokys & naylis clynkyng, Tyl it was pacyd non.