Middle English Dictionary Entry
bīs n.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | bīs n.(2) Also bice, bise, biss(e, bissh(e, bessh(e. |
| Etymology | OF; see bīs adj. & n.. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A kind of dark fur (of various animals), used in trimming and lining garments; (b) ~ hunter, one who hunts animals for their fur.
Associated quotations
a
- [ (1351) Doc.in Riley Mem.Lond.267 : [Vesture trimmed with fur, such as] bys [of rabbits or hares, or any other manner of noble budge. ]
- ?c1335 Þe grace of godde (Hrl 913)46 : Silk no sendale nis þer none, no bise no no meniuer.
- (1378) Will Court Hust.(Gldh)2.214 : [A red robe furred with] bysshes..[Gowns furred with] Grys.
- (1381-2) Acc.R.Dur.in Sur.Soc.103592 : In una furura de byis.
- a1400 Preste ne monke (Cleo B.2)265 : Somme frers beren pelure aboute..For somme vaire, and somme gryse, For somme bugee, and for somme byse.
- (1402) RParl.3.506a : Ne que null Esquier use Furre le gray, cristigray, Menyvere, ne bice, forspris les Mairs qui sount, ount estez, ou pur le temps serrount, en les Citees de Loundres, Everwyk, ou en la Ville de Bristuyt.
- (1415) Invent.Agincourt in Archaeol.7092 : j Surcote de Scarleta pro parliamento furrato cum byce.
- (1422) EEWills50/25 : I bequeth to the wyffe of Iankyn Miles a gown furred with Besshe.
- (c1423) Will York in Sur.Soc.4400 : Unam togam de panno nigro furruratam cum bysse.
b
- (c1410) York MGame (Vsp B.12)41 : Of conynges speke I not, for no man hunteth for hem, but ȝit it be bisshhunters; and þei hunte hem with ferettis.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- (1441) Plea & Mem.R.Lond.Gildh.37 : Item, a Gowne of blewe furryd with olde beshees..x s.
Note: Supplementary material.
Note: New form: pl. beshes.
Note: Quot. belongs to sense (a).
Note: The list of variant spellings in the form section may is incomplete and needs revision to accord with standards of later volumes of the MED. Provisional revised form section (including supplement form): Also bis(s)e, bice, besshe (in cpd.) biss-; pl. bisshes, beshes.--notes per MLL