Middle English Dictionary Entry
wā̆t n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | wā̆t n.(1) Also watte. |
| Etymology | Of uncertain origin, but perh. ON: cp. OI vættr wight, being. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A man, fellow; gret ~, an important or powerful person.
Associated quotations
- a1400 Þo oure lord god (Mrg M 957)p.319 : In al þyse baillye nys non þat likeþ me So wel as me doþ þulke grete watte Þat sitteþ ȝend anheyȝ.
- a1450(1412) Hoccl.RP (Hrl 4866)2816 : If so be þat oon of þe grete wattes A dede do, which þat a-geyn þe lawe is, No thyng at al he punysshid for þat is.
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)274/97 : I dare sweryn…ȝe xal fynde hym A strawnge watt [rime: A-mat].
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)10/14 : I am a fulle grete wat [rime: hat].