Middle English Dictionary Entry
ugsǒm adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | ugsǒm adj. Also ugsome, hugsome. |
| Etymology | Prob. from uggen v. & -sǒm suf.(1), with influence from ON (cp. OI uggsamligr adj.). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Frightening, terrifying;
(b) loathesome, disgusting.
Associated quotations
a
- c1450 Alph.Tales (Add 25719)310/14 : He harde a blaste of ane vgsom horn at a hunter blew horrible.
- ?c1475 *Cath.Angl.(Add 15562)65b : Hwgsome…horribilis, horridus animo.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)12497 : A thoner and a thicke rayne þrublet in the skewes, With an ugsom noise, noy for to here.
- 1558(?a1449) ?Lydg.Plague (Add 29729)11 : It is remembryd in gestys of Lumbardy…An vgsom dethe environde Italy, Where crafti cure coude make no resistence.
b
- ?c1475 *Cath.Angl.(Add 15562)65b : Hwgsome: Abhominabilis, detestabilis, Execrabilis.
- 1483 Cath.Angl.(Monson 168)401 : Vgsome: Abhominabilis.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)877 : He…was ware sone Of þe orible oxin, vgsome to see.