(a) A defined area, often long and narrow, of lower elevation than the surrounding terrain, sometimes bisected by a stream or river, a dale, valley, ravine, river bottom, etc.; also fig. and in fig. context; (b) a valley conceived as a pleasant spot, a wooded retreat, dell, etc.; also, a hidden or remote place [quot. 1449]; (c) a valley as a place of battle; also, an open area where armies meet, a battlefield; in the ~, on the field.

(a) In generalizing phrases: bi ~ and hille, on (upon) hille and ~, etc., everywhere; bi hille ne bi ~, in ~ nor in plaine, nowhere; (b) with diminished force: in ~, in the land, along the way.

In phrases denoting specific valleys: (a) ~ of josaphat (ebron, cedron, etc.), ~ o josaphat; ~ palantes; (b) ~ of avilon (develes, enchaunting); ~ perilous.

Fig. (a) Earthly existence, the world as a place of mortality, tribulations, suffering, etc.; pl. valleys conceived as places inferior to the heights, earth in contrast to heaven; mortal (terrestre) ~; the ~ of sorwes (wepinge), this ~ of teres (wepinge), etc.; (b) ~ of deth, the grave, death’s domain; vales of thin lust, ?a noble sepulchre, a fine tomb; (c) an unfortunate or unhappy state, adversity; ~ of adversite; ~ of restles minde, a state of distress, uneasiness, discontent.

(a) A groove in the back of a barbed arrowhead; (b) hunt. a groove or an indentation on the beam of a deer’s antlers.

Palm. The space between the index finger and the middle finger.

(a) In surnames; (b) in place names [see Smith PNElem.2.229].