Middle English Dictionary Entry
vīnet n.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | vīnet n.(2) Pl. vīnetus, (error) vinetrys. |
| Etymology | Perh. from L vīnētum vineyard; also cp. L vīnea siege engine. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. vine n.(2), vine-yerd n. (d).
1.
Mil. A movable shelter used in a siege [see 2nd quot.].
Associated quotations
- a1450(1408) Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)167/26 : Here ben rehersed þe names of gynnes & ordenaunces þat a citee or a castelle may ben assailled wiþ in euery side, þat is to seie, snayles, rammes, sithes or hokes, vynetus [vr. vinetrys; L uineae], plictus or rolleres, muskelus, & toures.
- a1450(1408) Vegetius(1) (Dc 291)168/24 : Þe vynet is a gyn of werre iframed of light tymber, viii foot of brede and vii foot of heithe, and xvi foot of lengþe. The roof of this gyn is double heled wiþ tables and wiþ hurdeles iwounde; þe sides beeþ iwounde wiþ twigges to kepe þe men þat beþ wiþynne fro schot & cast, ikeuered and heled wiþoute wiþ rawe hydes & wete hayres & feltys for drede of firynge. Þese gynnes, when þei bene many togidre isette aȝenst þe walles of a strengþe, þei kepe the men þat beþ wiþynne & vnder hem fro harmynge while þei pyke out þe stones and myne þurgh þe wall.