Middle English Dictionary Entry
wāre n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | wāre n.(1) Also war, wara. |
| Etymology | OE waru care, protection. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Defense, protection; in prep. phrases: at the ~, on the defensive; in ~, ?in safekeeping; on ~, watchful, alert;
(b) ?a lid or cover.
Associated quotations
a
- a1150(OE) Vsp.D.Hom.(Vsp D.14)111/23 : Þa wiðerwinnen wurðen þa oferswiðde þurh þæs ængles gewinn & ware.
- a1350 In may hit murgeþ (Hrl 2253)34 : Ah, feyre leuedis, be on war.
- a1450(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Lamb 131)6118 : Dioclisien…To Cristenmen dyde felonye…Þey slowe at Verolame seint Alban, & seint Iue & seint Aroon; Þo were in ware at Kerlyon.
- c1460 Ipom.(3) (Lngl 257)355/49 : All men had mervell that any man might endure the strokes that the giaunt gave, & he defend him agayn allway & put the giaunt at the ware.
b
- (1453) Plea & Mem.R.Lond.Gildh.138 : [A basket with a small] wara.