Middle English Dictionary Entry
wellā̆ adv.
Entry Info
| Forms | wellā̆ adv. Also wela, (early SWM) wælla. |
| Etymology | From OE wel adv. & OE lā enclitic particle. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. wel adv. 16.
1.
Extremely, very; quite; ~ wel, exceedingly.
Associated quotations
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)6390 : Þeder com þe ohte mon; wælla wel wes he ibon.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)831 : Þenne seten þay at þe soper…Welawynnely wlonk tyl þay waschen hade.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)518 : Wela-wynne is þe wort þat waxes þer-oute When þe donkande dewe dropez of þe leuez.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)2084 : Welawylle watz þe way þer þay bi wod schulden.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)1970 : For wella wide ware þe wele…Miȝt þou þe marches of Messedoyne mayntene þi-selfe.