Middle English Dictionary Entry
waiten v.
Entry Info
Forms | waiten v. Also wait(e(ne, waiton, waitoun, waitte(n, waithen, wat(e, watte, weite, weten, whaite, vaite, qwaite & (early SWM) weiti; sg.3 waiteth, etc. & waitet, (errors) waytyh, waytest, wayth, weyteneth; impv. waite, etc. & (error) waytas; ppl. waiting(e, etc. & waitingge; p. waited, etc. & waitet, waitud, waided, (16th cent.) qwaitid; ppl. i)waited, waittede, wated. |
Etymology | AF waiter, weiter, ONF waitier, vaitier, OF watier, vars. of OF gaitier; forms in qw- may represent a different word. Some quots., chiefly in senses 6a. & 6b., show some confusion with ME weiten v. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. awaiten v.
1a.
(a) To direct one’s gaze, look; gaze (out a window or cave opening); ~ abouten, ~ him umbe, etc.;
(b) to fasten one’s gaze (on sb. or sth.), look (at sb. or sth.); stare (into sth.);
(c) to look into a matter, consider; glance (at or over a piece of writing); direct one’s consideration (to sth.);
(d) to search (for sth.), seek; ~ upon werdes, seek to know one’s fate.
Associated quotations
a
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)2231 : As þei waited aboute, þei saie a litel hem biside a semliche quarrere.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)2425 : William ful wiȝtly waited out of þe cave, and bihuld ful busili aboute.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)1423 : He waytez on wyde, his wenches he byholdes.
- c1400(?a1387) PPl.C (Hnt HM 137)1.16 : Westwarde ich waitede…And sawe a deep dale.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)2289 : Þat oþer…waytez as wroþely as he wode were.
- a1425(?c1350) Ywain (Glb E.9)1815 : Fast sho luked on ilka syde And waited obout fer and nere.
- (1440) Capgr.St.Norb.(Hnt HM 55)1074 : Euery man gan sterten, waytyn, and look.
- c1450(?a1400) Parl.3 Ages (Add 31042)657 : I wakkened ther-with and waytted me vmbe.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)3835 : A fewe within þe forslet of folke þare a-perid, Waiteand out at wyndows to wondire on his ostis.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)283/28 : He wayted above hym and undir hym, and over hym above his hede he sawe a rowgh spyke.
- a1500 Wars Alex.(Dub 213)1527 : Who so wates [Ashm: lukis] fro withowte & within hedes, It semyd as to se to on of þe seuen heuens.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)876 : He waites vmbe hym wightly, & was ware sone Of þe orible oxin.
- c1600(c1350) Alex.Maced.(Grv 60)760 : Ȝif þou lene mee leve too leng biside, For too stand in a stede of a straite place, Too waite at a windowe and warn þee after.
b
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)779 : Feiþli boute felachipe fond wold he walke, and go into þe gardyn…weytende to þe windowe, and his wo newene.
- a1400 Siege Jerus.(1) (LdMisc 656)1257 : Þe Romayns wayten [vr. beheelde] on þe werke.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)59 : In-to þis water as he waitis, was he ware sone Of his enmys in þat Element ane endles nombre.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)1585 : As he waytis in a wra, þan was he ware sone Of þe maister of þat meneyhe.
- a1500 Wars Alex.(Dub 213)1129 : Than askys he þaim alexander als he þar-on wates, What maner of man vpon mold þat was merkyd after?
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)13055 : So Eger were all men Elan to se, ffor to waite on þat worthy went þai belyue.
- 1543(1464) Hardyng Chron.B (Grafton)p.264 : To castell Pilgrym…there was no waye but one full straite, On a cawsey with dikes depe and wyde, Strongly walled, with towres on to wayte.
c
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)3636 : Sone as ser Porrus of þe poynte & o þe plite waytis, Þan was he tangid with tene.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4233 : Quen he had waytid ouer þis writtis, his mynd he remembris.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)3.129 : Swiche fresshe foodis beth feet in-to chambris, And for her dignesse endauntid of dullisshe nollis And, if þou well waite, of no wight ellis.
- c1475(c1445) Pecock Donet (Bod 916)108/4 : If þou waite in þe ixe chapitre of þe first partye and marke þe viije poynt of þe iiije table…þou schalt fynde þere þe comune vij bodili werkis of mercy.
- c1600(?c1395) PPl.Creed (Trin-C R.3.15)361 : Þe prechours…wilneþ worchipes—but waite on her dedes!
d
- a1450 LDirige(1) (Dgb 102)352 : Al folk on me woln take hede, Wayte after vertue, and fynde vys.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)2852 : Caste ancres full kene with cables to grounde…Buskys into botys, were borne to þe lond, To solas hom a season, as hom selfe liked; And waited vppon hor wirdes for wynnyng of godys.
1b.
(a) To look at (sb. or sth.), behold; also, in a term of derision for an old man: waite-glede, stare-at-the-fire;
(b) to keep (sb. or sth.) under observation, watch continually;
(c) to consider (sth.), take note of; also, mark (sth., when sth. occurs, etc.), remark;
(d) to peruse (a piece of writing, a text), read;
(e) to find out (who did sth., how sth. might be accomplished, etc.), learn, ascertain; ~ if, see whether (sth. might occur or might have occurred);
(f) to look for (sth.); also, find (sth.); search (sth.), examine [1st quot.].
Associated quotations
a
- a1350 Heȝe louerd (Hrl 2253)17 : Me calleþ me fulle-flet, ant waynoun wayteglede.
- ?c1350 Ballad Sc.Wars (Jul A.5)127 : The Toupe in toune your werkes wayte, To bald his folke he bides stille.
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))Phil.3.17 : Britheren, be ȝe my foloweris, and wayte ȝe hem that walken so.
- c1450(a1425) MOTest.(SeldSup 52)11673 : To wayte be est and west so worthy was no moo.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)2888 : Wemen waited hym well, hade wondur of hym one, That of shap for to shew was shene to beholde.
b
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Sq.(Manly-Rickert)F.129 : He wayted many a constellacioun Er he hadde doon this operacioun.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)13285 : At see sant Iohn and Iam he fand, Quils þai þair lines war waitand.
- c1440 Thrn.Med.Bk.(Thrn)55/36 : Halde in thyn ande after þe drynke & on the ix day wayte wele þe hole.
- a1450 Ben.Rule(2) (Vsp A.25)863 : When so we ȝern ony thing Þat may fall vnto flesch likyng, Thinke we god waites vs weterly.
- c1450(c1405) Mum & S.(2) (Add 41666)1024 : Sum…helpen to make hony…And doon oþer deedes þorough dome þat is among þaym; And sum waiten þe wedre, þe wynde, and þe skyes, Yf hit be temperate tyme to trauaylle.
c
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)2 Kings 13.28 : Waiteþ wel whan Amon were drunke wiþ wyn.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.517 : Wayte [vr. Whayte] what thyng we may nat lightly haue; Ther after wol we crye al day and craue.
- c1400 Aelred Inst.(1) (Vrn)40/593 : After þis, wayte whan Marie goþ to Bethleem and ren after wit meek deuocioun.
- a1425 This is goddis (Wht)57 : Wayte how dide Marye Maudeleyne.
- ?a1425 Orch.Syon (Hrl 3432)396/32 : In me also þanne he biholdiþ wiþ þe liȝt of feiþ, þat suffriþ him to be temptid wiþ sich temptacioun of þouȝtis for loue þat I haue to him, waitinge how myȝtily he wolde wiþstonde hem.
- a1450(1391) Chaucer Astr.(Benson-Robinson)2.5.17 : Set the degre of thy sonne upon the hyer almykanteras of bothe, and wayte [vr. wat] wel where as thin almury touchith the bordure, and set there a prikke of ynke.
- c1450(?a1400) Parl.3 Ages (Add 31042)40 : I waitted wiesly the wynde by waggynge of leues.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)3.130 : Þan waite mo wayes how þe while turneth With gyuleris, joyffull for here gery jaces.
- a1500 Lydg.LOL (Adv 19.3.1)p.102 : Upon whos word fully in beleve Ther schuld ryse such a ster bryght Wer xij choson…Within mydwynter, nyght by nyght…For to wayte in hor best wyse When this ster of hevun schuld ryse.
d
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)1552 : He bede his burnes boȝ to, þat were bok-lered, To wayte þe wryt þat hit wolde and wyter hym to say.
- ?c1400 Who redes (Magd-C F.4.5)8 : What þei by-meenen in hor kynde, Waytas [read: ?Wayts, ?Wayt] þo gloose, & ȝe shal fynde Hit is as keye þat wil vnloken Þo dore þat is ful faste stoken.
e
- c1300 SLeg.(LdMisc 108)268/248 : Euere he waytede ȝif ore louerd ani grace him wolde sende.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1821 : I wol wend to sum weie ouwhar here nere, and waite ȝif any weiȝh comes wending alone.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)2729 : Þe werwolf waited wiȝtly which schip was ȝarest, to fare forþ.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Cl.(Manly-Rickert)E.708 : He wayteth if by word or contenance That she to hym was chaunged of corage.
- a1425(c1340) Rolle Psalter (LdMisc 286)26.5 : Kastels are conspiracyons of oure foes, that waytes how thei myȝt vmlappe vs.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)1.190 : In his walk ful faste he gan to wayten If knyght or squyer of his compaignie Gan for to syke.
- a1450(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Lamb 131)1495 : He sente knyghtes & squiers To waite [vr. witt] who made on hym pres, & wheþer þey soughte werre oþer pees.
- a1500(c1340) Rolle Psalter (UC 64)16.13 : Wonand in hidels [L habitans in abditis]…that is, waytand how thai myght sla him.
- 1530(c1450) Mirror Our Lady (Fawkes)54 : When he came before the Abbot, waytynge yf oughte had escaped hym that he myghte haue gotten…the Abbot was astoned.
f
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)99 : Ferre out in þe felde, and fechez mo gestez, Waytez gorstez and grevez, if ani gomez lyggez.
- a1425(?a1350) 7 Sages(2) (Glb E.9)1577 : Of a wile sho hir bythoght; Sho waited hir a heui stane.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)424 : Þe Pardonere…drewe apart & weytid hym a trest ffor to hyde hym selff.
- a1475 Hrl.Diseases Hawk A (Hrl 2340)34 : Loke on þe bake Of hyr, and þu schalte fynde a long rede stryng betwene þe flech and þe skyn; go wayte þe hende nexte þe crope.
- c1600(c1350) Alex.Maced.(Grv 60)808 : Hee wendes too a wildernes and waites him erbes.
2a.
(a) To be attentive; pay attention (to sb. or sth.), give heed;
(b) to be concerned; be concerned (about sth. or oneself); be careful (of sth., to do sth.);
(c) to be observant (regarding religious practice).
Associated quotations
a
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Num.3.7 : Make stoonde in þe siȝt of aaron þe prest þat þei ministre to hym & wakyn & waytyn aboute al þyng of witnessynge.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)405 : Skile whi al this is trewe may be percyued weel ynowȝ of a diligent considerer, waiting weel to ech word which is now bifore here seid.
- c1450(a1425) MOTest.(SeldSup 52)14814 : In þi strengh when þat þou stud, þou suld wysly haue wayted þen To febyll folke þat wanted fode.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)1744 : I have sent thries, sith [that] yee hidir cam, To waite oppon hir governaunce.
- a1500(c1410) Dives & P.(Htrn 270)1.177 : Ȝe schul waytyn aftir no dremys.
b
- (c1387-95) Chaucer CT.Prol.(Manly-Rickert)A.571 : Wheither that he payde or took by taille, Algate he wayted so in his achaat That he was ay biforn and in good staat.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)292 : I schal wayte to be war her wrenchez to kepe.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)135 : The bifore seid ground of feith it reproueth…that we waite not aftir to be hoosilid with the sacrament of the auter.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)489 : If the arguer can proue the ije premyss of this argument…certis he may not waite aftir that the conclusion of this argument be proued or be trewe.
- a1450(a1425) Mirk IPP (Cld A.2)1024 : Hast þow be prowde gostely…Of pouert, of largenes, or of chastyte?…Wayte [vr. Ware] lest þou haue synget in þo.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)3354 : Þe same wyse mon a wee waite to him-selfe.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)12722 : He counseld Clunestra…To be war of þat wegh, & wait on hir-seluyn.
c
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Ecclus.41.20 : It is not good to waiten aboute [2nd hand adds: or to keepen; WB(2): kepe] al vnreuerence.
2b.
(a) To heed (sth.), pay attention to; also, follow the dictates of (wisdom) [last quot.];
(b) to be concerned about (sth.); attend to (a mission), advance;
(c) see to it (that sth. be the case, that sth. not occur, etc.), watch out.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)2 Par.33.6 : He waitide swefnes & he folewede deuynyng in briddes.
- (c1400) Gower PP (Eg 2862)204 : The worldes cause is waited overal, Ther ben the werres redi to the fulle.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)164 : If þou my wyrchipe wayte…þou sall haue gersoms full grett.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)1.82 : Wayte well my wordis and wrappe hem to-gedir, And constrwe…þe clause in þin herte.
- a1500(?a1425) Lambeth SSecr.(Lamb 501)93/16 : Vnderstandynge ys þe enchesoun þat puttys yn werk all hys beinges and werkes…It ys his myght & wherby he wirkys; It is his entent, and it waytys science.
b
- a1400 Cursor (Göt Theol 107)5416 : Þus coude ihoseph…waite his lauerd þe kinges prou.
- c1400(a1376) PPl.A(1) (Trin-C R.3.14)6.34 : I haue…sowen his seed…kepide his corn…& do what he hiȝte, Wiþinne & wiþoute waytide [vrr. I wayted; B: wayted; vrr. wated, waytoun; C: to wayten] his profit.
- c1425 PPl.A(1) (Antq 687)5.116 : Wayte [vr. waytene; Trin-C: I seruide symme at þe nok And was his prentis ypliȝt his profit to loke].
- c1425 Wycl.Antichr.(2) (Dub 245)p.cxxxviii : Þei…leten here shep perishen & taken of hem & plucken a wey þe wolle as non herdis but as hired hynes wayten her owne auauntage.
- a1450 Ben.Rule(2) (Vsp A.25)2471 : Þeir awn winyng þai sal not wayt.
- c1450(c1415) Roy.Serm.(Roy 18.B.23)96/23 : A man is beholden by þe veye of keende to vayte is owne profette.
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)142.313 (v.2:p.414) : Barnard bad hym not byn aferd to waytyn the werk of God.
c
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1023 : Sche goþ aboute into þe gardyn for to gader floures and to wayte þat no weiȝh walked þerinne.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4948 : Ser, waite at þou be wemles for woman touching.
- a1475 Russell Bk.Nurt.(Hrl 4011)436 : Euer of a sharpe knyff wayte þat ye be sure.
- 1485(a1470) Malory Wks.(Caxton:Vinaver)9/11 : Wayte ye make not many questions with her nor her men.
3a.
(a) To await something;—also refl.; wait (for a particular time, an event, sb., etc.); also, await a chance (to do sth.);
(b) to have expectations (of sth.); also, hope (for sth.).
Associated quotations
a
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)4 Kings 6.10 : He waitede hym [WB(2): kepte hym silf] þere, not ones ne twyes.
- (c1385) Chaucer CT.Kn.(Manly-Rickert)A.929 : Here in this temple of the goddesse Clemence We haue been waytynge [vr. waiteinge] al this fourtenyght.
- (c1385) Chaucer CT.Kn.(Manly-Rickert)A.1222 : To sleen hym self he waiteth pryuely.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)5.7058 : This lusti folk…make it gay, And waite upon the haliday.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)6.425 : Oure lusti loves are Waitende upon oure hom cominge.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)4857 : Þair siluer he tok and gaue þam corn And…did waitte [Frf: wayded] at a priue tide And did a siluer cupe at hide, In a sek, þe corn be-side.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)5.24 : Troilus…Was waytyng [vr. waythynge] on his lady evere more.
- a1425(?a1400) RRose (Htrn 409)2657 : Thanne shalt thou goon…Loke if the gate be vnspered, And waite without, in woo and peyne.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)1807 : I sall wayte at thyne hounde.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)2979 : Þofe sir Gawaynne ware wo, he wayttes hym by.
- c1450(c1415) Roy.Serm.(Roy 18.B.23)315/38 : God inspired þe prophetes…to prophecien is commyng in comforte of hem þat wayted þer-aftur.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)1096/22 : The kynge and the quene…commaunded a sertayne to wayte uppon the barget.
- (a1474) Stonor1.139 : The manne…hathe ben herre thys xiiij days and weytyþe every day after ȝow and master Stonner.
- a1500 Chartier Dial.F.&F.(Sion Arc.L.40.2/E.43)19/19 : Oon thyng y wayted aftyr, that thou schuldest dessende fro the generalte to the more specyalte.
- 1530(c1450) Mirror Our Lady (Fawkes)54 : He sawe a fende that…wente aboute the qruyer from one to an other, and wayted bysely after all letters and syllables and wordes and faylynges that eny made.
b
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)3.407 : He þat fongeþ is þe worse, and also more redy to waite after ȝiftes.
- (c1387-95) Chaucer CT.Prol.(Manly-Rickert)A.525 : A bettre preest I trowe that nowher noon ys; He wayted [vr. waytud] after no pompe and reuerence.
- c1410 Chaucer CT.Mil.(Hrl 7334)A.3642 : This Carpenter seyd his deuocioun And stille he sitt and byddeþ his prayere Ay waytyng [vr. Waytingge; Heng: Awaitynge] on þe Reyn if he it heere.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)2.167 : Late hym nat wayte after coryouste, Syth þat in ryme ynglysch hath skarsete.
- (c1426) Audelay Poems (Dc 302)9/256 : Þe pore schul be made domysmen Apon þe ryche at domysday; Let se houe þai cun onswere þen For al here ryal, reuerent aray…Afftyr here almes ay waytyng.
- a1450(1410) This holy tyme make (Dgb 102)151 : After ȝoure werkis, wayte aftur ȝoure mede.
- a1450(1419) Loke how Flaundres (Dgb 102)70 : What land is gouerned in þat degre May wayte after wreche.
- c1475(c1445) Pecock Donet (Bod 916)40/7 : Forto lyve anentis god mekely…is…þat we forbere to attempte or assaie goddis myȝt…and we wolde waite aftir þat god schulde sende vs helpe þerto aboue kynde.
- a1500(a1450) Gener.(2) (Trin-C O.5.2)2440 : He is descendid of an high lenage And…waytith after right grete heritage.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)7944 : I wot the in witte to waite on myn end.
3b.
(a) To await (sb. or sth.); be on the lookout for; also, befall (sb.) [quot. Wars Alex. 1109]; ~ time, bide one’s time, watch for one’s chance;
(b) ~ if, to wait to see whether (sth. is the case); ~ whanne, wait until such time as (sth. has occurred, sth. is the case, etc.);
(c) to expect (sth.), anticipate, hope for; also with inf. or whanne clause as obj.
Associated quotations
a
- 1372 In place (Adv 18.7.21)72 : Marie wente ouer a feld lay leyȝe To Caluari, þer Crist sulde deyȝe, And waited þer hire childe.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1885 : He went to an heiȝ weie to whayte sum happes.
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Job 24.15 : Þe eȝe of þe auoutrer waiteþ derknesse.
- (a1387) Trev.Higd.(StJ-C H.1)2.155 : Þey preyed to a feste al þe grete of þe Pictes, and wayted her tyme when þe Pictes were at ese and mery, and hadde wel i-dronke, and drewe vp nayles þat helde vp þe holow benches vnder þe Pictes.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Fkl.(Manly-Rickert)F.1263 : Nyght and day he spedde hym that he kan To wayten a tyme of his conclusioun.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)306 : Þe renk…Wayued his berde for to wayte quo-so wolde ryse.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)4.6365 : Kyng Priam…no red ne can But waite his deth.
- a1400 Siege Jerus.(1) (LdMisc 656)779 : Was non þat warpiþ a word bot waytes her poyntes, Ȝif stertis on st[r]ay with stones hem to kylle.
- ?a1450 MLChrist (Add 39996)1923 : Þai bade Iudas…Loke when best tyme were And he…to hem swere He schuld wayte a laysere And bringe hem into þat place Þere as his owne Lord was.
- c1450(?a1400) Parl.3 Ages (Add 31042)49 : Had I…mouede or made any synys, Alle my layke hade bene loste þat I hade longe wayttede.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)131 : When he was graþed with his gere, a gladen he waytis.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)1109 : Quen ne in quat time sal qwaite þe [Dub: falle] þis aunter, Enquire me noȝt þar question.
- a1500(?a1390) Mirk Fest.(GoughETop 4)120/33 : For men dydden þe kyng sonne more reuerence þen hym, he had envy þerto, and on a day wayted his tyme, and slogh hym.
- c1500(?a1437) ?Jas.I KQ (SeldArch B.24)st.17 : Helples allone, the wynter nyght I wake, To wayte the wynd that furthward suld me throwe.
b
- c1300 Lay.Brut (Otho C.13)11516 : Þis ileueþ Bruttus þat he wole come þus, and lokeþ and waiteþ wane he come to londe.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.ML.(Manly-Rickert)B.593 : He wayteth whan the constable was aweye And pryuely vpon a nyght he crepte In Hermengildes chambre.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)3058 : Biside a wel, vnder a tre þe barn sco laid…For soru þar-of moght sco not se, Bot waited [Frf: waytet] quen it ded suld be.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)241 : Þat semely qwene Ai of Egipt erd enquirid if he were, Þoȝt him like of þat lede be langage & othire, For-þi scho wetis if he wald wete hire to say.
- a1500(c1410) Dives & P.(Htrn 270)2.300 : Þe neddre waytyth whan þe pellican is out of his nest to sekyn mete for hym and for hys bryddys, and he goth into þe nest.
c
- c1390 Þe wyse mon in (Vrn)80 : Ȝif þou waxe pore, he wol skorne þe—Wayte of him neuere oþer bounte.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Pars.(Manly-Rickert)I.403 : Irreuerence is whan men do nat honour there as hem oghte to doon and waiten [vr. weyteneth] to be reuerenced.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Mch.(Manly-Rickert)E.2096 : She wayteth [vrr. waytest, wayth] whan hir herte wolde breste.
- (?1397) In a sesone (Gldh 25125/32)33 : I was wo and euer waytyd when sche away wold flye.
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)4.2912 : Wher-euer ther be encres, Men waite of custum a sodeyn disencres.
- a1500(a1450) Ashmole SSecr.(Ashm 396)31/13 : Oftymes thurgh inobedience of subgettes, the pouste of lordship is febled, and subgettes wolle wayte to be maisters.
4.
(a) To be in attendance (on sb.); minister (to sb.); also, be in charge (of an office); take responsibility (for tending to sth.); of a ship: be in the retinue (of another ship); ~ on min wille, stand by to do my bidding, serve me;
(b) to attend (sb.); stand by to serve (someone’s will).
Associated quotations
a
- a1450 Parton.(1) (UC C.188)9658 : On his manhode moch trusteth he, And there-to hath a grete meyne That vayteth vpon hym euer-mor.
- (1450) Paston2.35 : With hym mette a shippe callyd Nicolas of the Towre, with othere shippis waytyng on hym.
- (c1452) Complaint Scrope in Scrope Castle Combe279 : I was right glad to wayte opon hym to do hym servyce.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)142/12 : There was chosyn twelve good men of the contrey for to wayte uppon the two knyghtes.
- c1475 Body Pol.(Cmb Kk.1.5)180/21 : Whan Aristotill lefte Alexaundre, he sett to wayte upon him in his stede this noble philosophre Calistynes.
- 1790(1471-1472) Ordin.Househ.Edw.IV(2) (Topham)40 : Also in this office one page keping and attending in this office, to sette in all manner lyveres to hepe, trusse, and bere the harneys and stuffe, to wayte upon the carryages.
- ?a1525(?a1475) Play Sacr.(Dub 652)190 : Jazon and Jazdon, þei waytyn on my wyll.
- a1600(1472) Rec.Bluemantle (Jul C.6)381 : The King or soueraigne lord sent a right worshipfull man in his embassat to ye right mighty prynce his brother…and to wayte vpon hym an harroulde called Lancaster.
- a1600(1472) Rec.Bluemantle (Jul C.6)383 : Therl of Wylshyre wayted on the Kinges coberd as chef boteler for yt day.
b
- c1430(c1386) Chaucer LGW (Benson-Robinson)1269 : This Troyan…can so wel don alle his obeysaunces, And wayten hire at festes and at daunces.
- c1450(a1425) MOTest.(SeldSup 52)12604 : Maystur…here I me hald to wayte your wyll.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)3322 : Your wille I moste wirke, waite I non other.
5.
(a) To keep watch; stand guard (over sb. or sth.), keep watch; also, keep an eye (on sb. or sth.); put (sb. or sth.) under surveillance;
(b) to keep (sb.) in protective custody, watch over; keep (sth., oneself) safe, protect; guard (prisoners); also, observe (sb. or sth.) secretly, spy on; also with wher clause as obj.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)3.915 : Evere on hem I wayte and hope, Til I mai sen hem lepe a lope, And halten on the same Sor Which I do now.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)78a/b : Moderat & mesurable wakinge acordiþ to trauailing men to wynne & to gete þe more mede, and to [Seymour reads: to hem þat] discure & waitiþ [L speculantibus] to be ware of sodeyne reeses & of enemyes.
- c1400(?c1380) Patience (Nero A.10)86 : I wyl me sum oþer waye þat he ne wayte after.
- a1450(?c1421) Lydg.ST (Arun 119)2406 : For his sake she hath after sent For swich deyntees as wern conuenyent…Makyng her wymmen ek to taken kep And wayt on hym anyghtes whan he slep.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)328/253 : Sirs, waites to þer wightis þat no wiles be wrought.
- a1400 Siege Jerus.(1) (LdMisc 656)891 : Princes out of pauelouns presen on stedes, Tornen, trifflyn, & on þe…toun wayten.
- ?a1450 Siege Calais (Glb E.9)p.153 : The porters kept the gattes full manly, The gattes opyn continually; To wate they wer not irk.
- c1450(a1425) MOTest.(SeldSup 52)17228 : Þis nyȝt I wyll wende furth yow fro in oþer place my god to pray…and lokes none wayte [vr. espy] eftur my way.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)1589 : Beryne clepid a Maryner, & bad hym, ‘sty on lofft, And weyte aftir our four Shippis.’
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)35/14 : Ye may se what peple we have loste and what good men we lese because we wayte allweyes on thes footemen; and ever in savying of one of thes footemen we lese ten horsemen for hym.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)355/13 : Here is a knyght that waytyth dayly uppon this castell.
- 1485(a1470) Malory Wks.(Caxton:Vinaver)16/35 : Sire Brastias was maade wardeyn to wayte upon the Northe fro Trent forwardes, for it was that tyme the most party the kynges enemyes.
b
- (c1300) Havelok (LdMisc 108)1754 : Bad him…Hauelok wel y[e]men…And wel do wayten al þe nith.
- a1350 My deþ (Hrl 2253)18 : Þou art wayted day ant nyht wiþ fader ant al my kynne.
- c1330(?a1300) Tristrem (Auch)3048 : Sir canados, þe waite, Euer þou art mi fo.
- (1340) Ayenb.(Arun 57)254/9 : He ne heþ of þyues none drede þet wayteþ þe wayes.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)2276 : Five of my felawes ful faste þere hem wayten, þat þei no wende away.
- c1400(?a1300) KAlex.(LdMisc 622)7698 : Noman ne may hym waite From þise wymmens dissaite.
- a1425(?a1350) 7 Sages(2) (Glb E.9)4146 : His name es Gerard Nories son; Wayt preuely whare þai mai won.
- a1425 *Medulla (Stnh A.1.10)61b/b : Speculor: to wayten [Pepys: to Watte; Cnt: to wayte and aspye].
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)1973 : Owre wyese kyng es warre to waytten his renkes.
- a1450(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Lamb 131)1238 : Schal we neuere rightly haue pees, Bot wait [vr. wate] vs wyþ som wykked res.
- a1450(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Lamb 131)3353 : Ilka pas þey scholde so wayte, Ithe Mountz holden hem so straite, ȝyf þey schold passe on eyþer syde, Wyþ force þey schold hem ouer ryde.
- c1450(?a1400) Parl.3 Ages (Add 31042)99 : I…Hid the hornes and the hede in ane hologhe oke…and sett me oute one a syde to see how it cheuede, To wayte it frome wylde swyne.
- ?c1450 St.Cuth.(Eg 3309)1698 : Whethir þou wayted our nyght wayes?
- a1500(?a1400) Morte Arth.(2) (Hrl 2252)74 : Sir agravayne at home is he; nyght & day he waytes vs two.
6a.
(a) To lie in wait; lie in wait (for sb. or sth.); also fig.; also, prepare an ambush (for sb.);
(b) to plot, contrive injury; plot or contrive injury (against sb., someone’s life, a realm, etc.); also, be alert for an opportunity (to do harm to sb.);—also refl.
Associated quotations
a
- c1350 Ayenb.App.(Arun 57)263/28 : Þer ne is naȝt on þyef ac uele; ac to eche uirtue ech vice wayteþ.
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Jer.5.26 : Þer ben founden in my puple vnpitous men waitinge as fouleris, grenes puttinge & feet gynnes to ben caȝt men as a pit-falle ful of briddis.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)3.2090 : Of his men a gret partie He made in buisshement abide, To waite on him in such a tide That he ne mihte here hond ascape.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)36b/b : He wolde nowher reste but vndir beddes þere cattis waitid aftir myse.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)513 : Waytyn, or done harm [Win: Wayton, or don harme; KC: waytyn to harme]: Insidior.
- c1450(a1425) MOTest.(SeldSup 52)12695 : He wyst A priuay strayt wher Iordan [read: Ioram] oft con gang; þer bad he þem go wayte and murther hym þem amang.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)511/11 : There be thirty knyghtes liyng and wacchyng in a towre to wayte uppon sir Launcelot or uppon sir Trystramys.
- a1500(c1340) Rolle Psalter (UC 64)9.31 : He waytes in hidell as leon in his dyke.
b
- ?c1225 Ancr.(Cleo C.6)146/7 : Ure wiðerwines…inþe wildene weiteden us toslenne.
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)91/16 : Beoð ofdred of euch mon alswa as þe þeof is leste he drahe ow utwart, þat is, biswike wið sunne & weiti forte warpen up on ow his cleches.
- (c1300) Havelok (LdMisc 108)512 : Grith ne get y neuere mo, He may [me] waiten for to slo.
- c1330(?a1300) Guy(2) (Auch)p.576 : Þer is þe king & þe barnage…For doute of her enemis, Þat wayt hem for to slon.
- c1350 Apoc.(1) in LuSE (Hrl 874)p.92 : Þe deuel is ay redy & waiteþ [vr. waytyh] to deuouren þe childer of holy chirche.
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)1 Kings 22.8 : My sone haþ rered my seruaunt aȝenst me waitynge to me vn to to dai.
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)1 Kings 28.9 : Whi þanne waitest þou to my lijf þat I be slawe?
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Esth.16.23 : Þei forsoþe þat waiten [WB(2): setten tresoun] to þe regne of hem to pershen for þe hidous gilte.
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Prov.1.11 : Cum þou with vs; waite wee to þe blood.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)6674 : Qua slas animan wit will, And forwit waited has þar-till, Þof he to mine auter flei, Men sal him þeþen drau to dei.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)3770 : Sir Gawayne iwysse, he waytes hym wele To wreke hym on this werlaughe.
- c1450(a1400) Lavynham Treat.7 Dead.Sins (Hrl 211)11/28 : Hate of herte is whan a man…menyth moche malyce, a bydyng tyme til he may wrechyn his teene…waytyng be lawe or be lordschip…to harmyn his euyncristyn.
- c1450 Ponthus (Dgb 185)65/6 : I haue made a simple nurture in you, when ye wate to dyshonour me.
- a1500(c1340) Rolle Psalter (UC 64)118.122 : The proude chalange noght me…thai wayte to put me in til ill.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)13245 : I…Past…Into the cuntre of Calaphe…There the qwene with hir qwaintis qwaitid me to cacche.
6b.
(a) To lie in wait for (sb.), ambush, waylay; also in fig. context;
(b) to plot against (sb.), contrive to injure.
Associated quotations
a
- a1225(c1200) Vices & V.(1) (Stw 34)103/23 : Ðat bið ðo werewede gostes ðe waitið ðo soules hier buuen on ðe wolkne.
- 1372 ME Verse in Grimestone PB (Adv 18.7.21)p.30 : Sorfulhed of detȝ, þat stant an waitet þe; Reufulhed of Cristes blod, þat schad was on þe tre.
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)290b/a : Þe leoun…huydeþ himself in hihe mounteynes and wayteþ þennes his pray.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)23731 : Euer he wates vs, þat fede; Es nathing certainur þan dede.
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)144.323 (v.2:p.431) : Ful oftyn whanne he wente owtward, he was waytyd for the same entent, but the eternal prouidence of God wold not suffryn yt.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)324/5 : The Rede Knyght of the Rede Laundys wayted hym at an overthwarte and smote hym.
- a1500(?a1400) KEdw.& S.(Cmb Ff.5.48)528 : Þe Kyng rode softely on his way; Adam folowyd, and wayted his pray.
b
- a1200 Trin.Hom.(Trin-C B.14.52)43 : For ure gult god man bicom, and Ure eldre waiteden him to deaðe.
- a1200 Trin.Hom.(Trin-C B.14.52)87 : Þanne ferde þe fule gost and seuene oðre gostes mid him…and bitrumede þat child and waiteden hit on eche wise and fortehten hit and biwunden it and biwalden it.
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Ps.36.12 : Þe synnere shal waiten þe riȝtwise & gnasten vp on hym with hise teeþ.
- a1400 Cursor (Frf 14)6678 : Qua-sa fader or moder dos to smyte or ham waytes in dispite, dey þai salle wiþ-out delite.
- c1425 Bible SNT(1) (Cmb Dd.12.39)Deeds 20.3 : He come vnto Grece, where…þo Iewes wayted him; ande he hade cownseile of summe to turne agayne by Macedonye.
7.
To endure (sth.);— ?error for voiden v.
Associated quotations
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)143b/a : Been…meueþ werre & bataile and fleeþ and waytiþ [L fugiunt] smoke and wynde.
8.
In surnames.
Associated quotations
- (a1275) Cust.Rothley in Archaeol.4799 : Robertus Waytegood pro uno tofto solvunt, xviij d.
- (1279) Nickname in LuSE 55183 : Thom. Waitwel’.
- (1315) Pat.R.Edw.II409 : Robert Waytecake.