Middle English Dictionary Entry
umple n.
Entry Info
| Forms | umple n. Also umpil, umpul, homple. |
| Etymology | From OF omple. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A variety of fine cloth, prob. similar to lawn;
(b) as adj. or in comb.: umples cover-cheves, kerchiefs made of such cloth.
Associated quotations
a
- (1426) Doc.in HMC Var.Col.7332 : j plyce de umple.
- (1446) Will York in Sur.Soc.45102 : De umpyll vj uln et di.
- c1450 When the son (Frf 16)325 : But of the forhede…Whitter of hir self then ermyn or plesaunce, Vmple, lawn, reynez, or relisaunce.
- (?1474) Stonor1.146 : Item, j kerchew of umpull for þe sacurment.
- a1500(?a1449) ?Lydg.Lavenders (Cmb Ff.1.6)8 : Loke well youre lawne, youre homple, & youre Lake…Ye washe cleyn fro mole and spottes blake.
- a1500 Weights in RHS ser.3.41 (Vsp E.9)18 : Item…i pece Tartyrn ys x yerdes; i pece lawne or umpill, xvj plyte or xviij yerds.
- 1532-1897(a1475) Ass.Ladies (Skeat)471 : Bicause the walles shone so bright, With fyne umple they were al over-sprad, To that intent, folk shuld nat hurte hir sight.
- a1605(?a1500) Lond.Lickpenny (Hrl 542)76 : Then into Chepe I gan me drawne where I sawe stond moche people; one bad me come nere, and by fine cloth of lawne, paris thred, Coton, and vmple.
b
- (1446) Plea & Mem.R.Lond.Gildh.89 : [6] lawnes [and] umples kercheffs, [12 d].