Middle English Dictionary Entry
unfailing(e ppl.
Entry Info
| Forms | unfailing(e ppl. |
| Etymology | From failing(e , ppl. of failen v. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Everlasting, inexhaustible; not to be doubted, infallible; also, wholly reliable, trustworthy [quot. c1440].
Associated quotations
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Ecclus.24.6 : I made in heuenes þat vnfailinge [vr. vnfailende; L indeficiens] liȝt shulde springen; & as a litil clowde I made eche flesh.
- (1435) Misyn FL (Corp-O 236)38/12 : Qwo is I-noght þi swetnes to þink, þat end art of syghing, of desire begyninge, þe ȝate of ȝernynge vnfaylinge?
- c1440(?a1400) Perceval (Thrn)1474 : Þaire horse were stallworthe and strange; Þair scheldis were vnfailande.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)81 : The seid sillogistik doom of resoun is a sure reule and vnfailing.