Middle English Dictionary Entry
wāle n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | wāle n.(1) Also wā̆l, waile. |
| Etymology | ON: cp OI val. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A choice, an option; of (al) ~, for the choosing, at will; men o (in) ~, the finest men, hand-picked men; worthi in ~, most excellent;
(b) a paragon of beauty or excellence, someone chosen for virtue.
Associated quotations
a
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)7629 : And of a thusand men o wal [Frf: in wale], He made him ledder and marscal.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)23641 : Þir [the good] sal haf weldnes of all wale [Phys-E: of wale; Frf: of welþ salle haue wale].
- a1425(c1333-52) Minot Poems (Glb E.9)17/77 : Sir Edward, oure gude king wurthi in wall [rime: fall], Faght wele on þat flude.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)11952 : He russhit vp full radly, raght to his clothes, Soche as happit hym to hent, hade he no wale.
b
- a1350 A wayle whyt (Hrl 2253)1 : A wayle whyt ase whalles bon a grein in golde that godly shon…hire gladshipe nes neuer gon whil y may glewe.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)10057 : Sco þat was his aun wal, Til hir his grace he gaf al hal.