Middle English Dictionary Entry
bitel adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | bitel adj. Also bedel. |
| Etymology | Prob. OE *bitol, 'biting, sharp', from bite 'a bite, sting'; suff. as in ME britel brittle. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Sharp-edged, sharp (weapon); sharp, cruel (blow).
Associated quotations
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)10074 : Þatt Crist þa shollde..hæwenn upp wiþþ bitell wræchess axe..All þat flocc of Judisskenn follc.
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)19503 : We scullen..nimen..þene wræcche..and his ban rihten mid bitele stelen.
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)26967 : Romleoden..smiten a þan Brutten mid swiðe bitele [Otho: bitere] duntes.
- c1225(?c1200) St.Marg.(1) (Bod 34)46/3 : Þet me hire heued wið..scharp sweord, wið..bitel brond, to-tweamde from þe bodie.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4096 : A burly best with a bake as bedell as a saȝe, Kene tethe as a knyfe.