Middle English Dictionary Entry
wẹ̄-self pron.
Entry Info
| Forms | wẹ̄-self pron. |
| Etymology | From wẹ̄ pron. & self adj., n., & pron.; also cp. OE wē̆ selfe phr. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
Emphatic 1st person pl. pron.: (a) used for a plurality of speakers: we ourselves; also, in apposition to a preceding pron.: ourselves [2nd quot.];
(b) in indefinite usages: all of us, we;
(c) used in place of ich-self pron. by a person of authority: I myself, we.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))2 Thes.1.4 : Poul and Siluan and Tymothe, to the chirche of Tessalonycensis…we silf glorien in ȝou in the chirchis of God.
- a1500(?a1325) Otuel & R (Fil)1195 : Were we ȝend in that mede, we-selue to alle prest, y wolde the teche that appolyn, Termagaunt, and Iouyn were goddys off the best!
b
- c1175(?OE) Bod.Hom.(Bod 343)26/32 : We sceolon tocnawæn hwæt we us sylfe beoð, na hwæt we sylfe habbæð.
- c1175(?OE) Bod.Hom.(Bod 343)36/33 : Gif we sylfe sæcgæð þæt we synnan næbbæð, we bipæceð us sylfum.
c
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))2 Mac.11.28 : Kyng Antiochus to the senate of Jewis…helthe; Ȝif ȝee faren welle, so it as we wolen; bot and we self faren wel.