Middle English Dictionary Entry
warderē̆r(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | warderē̆r(e n. Also wardrer(e, (error) wardrerd. |
| Etymology | Prob. from warder(e n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) ?A guardian or jailer;—used in fig. context;
(b) a short staff, cudgel; also, fig. the penis [last quot.]; also, in comb.: ?short-handled [quot. 1454].
Associated quotations
a
- c1440 C.d'Orl.For the reward (Paris fr.25458)221/37 : Y conseille hym to be prest And fore aȝens the warderere [rime: dere] For the reward of half a ȝere.
b
- c1440 PLAlex.(Thrn)110/19 : Alexander smate Iobas on þe heued wit a warderere.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)838 : Alexander…Wynnes him vp a wardrere [Dub: wardrerd] he walt in his handis…hard him hittis on þe hede.
- (1454) Plea & Mem.R.Lond.Gildh.147 : [4] wardrer [axes at 2 d. each, 8 d.].
- ?a1500 Burgeys thou (Hrl 7578)9 : Thy warderer, that was wonte for to be Mighty and sadde and grene in his laboure…wery is of superfluite.