Middle English Dictionary Entry
wẹ̄̆-mai interj.
Entry Info
| Forms | wẹ̄̆-mai interj. Also wema, weme, wemo, wemmou. |
| Etymology | Prob. from wẹ̄ interj. 2nd element uncertain: ?from mē̆ adv. & interj.; ?corruption of mẹ̄ pron.(2) (cp. sense 3., 1st quot.). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
An exclamation expressing impatience or astonishment.
Associated quotations
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)13/148 : We! ryn on, in the dwills nayme Before! Wemay, man, I hold the mad!
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)15/198 : Two, two [sheaves], now this is thre…ffor I will chose and best haue…Wemo, wemo, foure, lo, here!
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)112/388 : Weme! tord! what speke ye here in myn eeres?
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)263/183 : Wema, man! I trow thou doyte! Thou flyt it neuer a dele.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)334/291 : Wemmow! where is this man becom, Right here that sat betwix vs two…how myght he hens now fro vs go At his awne lyst.