Middle English Dictionary Entry

turn(e n.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms turn(e n. Also tourn(e, torn(e; pl. turnes, etc. & torne.
Etymology From OF torn(e, tourn(e, AF turn(e (vars. of OF tor, AF tur); also cp. L tornus, ML turnus & ME turnen v.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. tour n.(2).
1.
A turn, rotation, or revolution about an axis or center; welkenes ~, the turning of the heavens.
Show 6 Quotations
2.
A machine or device which turns or spins around: a bobbin, spool, or spindle; a winchlike contrivance for bending a crossbow; surg. a stick forming part of a device for applying traction and splinting broken bones; ~ gres, a spiral stairway.
Show 5 Quotations
3.
(a) A change in position so as to face in another direction; also, a shift in bodily posture, movement from one position into another; (b) a wrestling maneuver by which a wrestler attempts to throw his opponent, a throw; also fig.; falling ~, a fall to the ground made by a wrestler in an attempt to trick his opponent; haunche ~, a wrestling move by which one's opponent is thrown over one's hip.
Show 12 Quotations
4.
A bend, an angle, or a curve in a passageway; also, an indentation or a curve in an extent of coastline forming a bay or recess.
Show 2 Quotations
5.
(a) A turning aside from one's course, deviation from one's path; a roundabout or circuitous course, detour; (b) a course of travel from one place to another, journey.
Show 5 Quotations
6.
The bi-annual court held in each hundred by the sheriff or his deputy; ~ of shir-reve, shir-reve (shir-reves) ~.
Show 6 Quotations
7.
(a) The time or opportunity for performing an action which comes in due rotation or order to each of a number of persons; also, the occasion or time at which an event occurs; also, a recurring time period in which an action occurs, specif. rutting season; also, in adv. usage: that ilke ~, at the same time; taken ~; (b) a repetitive sequence used in rituals.
Show 11 Quotations
8.
A period of action, a spell, bout; in adv. usage: for a spell [quot. c1450, 2nd]; also, a portion of drink served to all members of a company, a round.
Show 5 Quotations
9.
A change in a state of affairs or course of events, vicissitude; also, a turn of events, circumstance; gon a ~, to suffer adversity.
Show 5 Quotations
10.
(a) An act or a deed; a valorous feat or exploit; god ~; don a god ~; (b) a trick, deception, or wile; a wicked deed; a transgression, sin; foul (ille, ivel, etc.) ~.
Show 25 Quotations
11.
Phil. A subtle rhetorical device, an artifice; yeven ~, to use subtly fallacious reasoning on (sb.).
Show 2 Quotations
12.
A transferred prerogative.
Show 1 Quotation

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Med., etc., see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. turn.

©2024 Regents of the University of Michigan. For details about this collection's copyright see the MEC copyright statement and the U-M Library Copyright Policy. Data last refreshed December 2023.