Middle English Dictionary Entry
unhōlden v.
Entry Info
| Forms | unhōlden v. |
| Etymology | From hōlden v.(1). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To lose hold, lose one’s grasp;
(b) ppl. unholden, not kept, not observed;
(c) ppl. unholden, under no obligation.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1443) Pecock Rule (Mrg M 519)186 : Oon foot falling or oon hond vnholdyng myȝte make hym lese xxti and so be a cause or an occasioun wherby he schulde falle doun altogidere from þe hil.
b
- a1400 Cursor (Trin-C R.3.8)18736 : Þe lawe he helde wondir wel; Vnholden lafte he neuer a del.
c
- a1425 Wycl.Serm.(Bod 788)1.309 : Here it semeþ þat þes prestis ben moche unholden to seculer lordis, bi þe dowyng þat þei have take, for þei ben harmed so myche þerbi.