Middle English Dictionary Entry
whēlen v.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | whēlen v.(1) Also whele, whielen, whilen, wele, quhelen; ppl. (early SWM) hweolinde. |
| Etymology | From whēl(e n.(1). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) To turn about an axis, revolve;—used in fig. context; also, turn oneself about, wheel around;
(b) to raise and lower (sb.) on Fortune’s wheel, turn;
(c) of a peacock: to fan out (its tail feathers) in a semicircular arc, spread;
(d) ppl. wheled, having wheels; four wheled cart(es.
Associated quotations
a
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)181/27-9 : Wa & scheome…beoð helyes hweoles þe weren furene…ha beoð her hweolinde ase hweoles; ouerturneð sone ne leasteð nane hwile; þis ilke is ec bitacnet bi cherubines sweord; biuore paraise ȝeten þe wes of lei & hweolinde & turninde abuten.
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)277/170 : A and now wole I a newe game begynne þat we mon pley…whele and pylle, whele and pylle.
b
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)1.139 : Fortune on lofte, And under eft, gan hem to whielen [vrr. whilen, quhelen, wele; turne] bothe Aftir hir course.
c
- c1475 Court Sap.(Trin-C R.3.21)1408 : The prowde pecok hys tayle began to whele [rime: dele].
d
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)Judg.5.28 : Why tariedyn þe feet of þe foure wheled cartys [L quadrigarum] of hym?
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Bod 959)3 Kings 10.29 : Þer was bouȝt a foure whelyd carte of egipt for sixe hundrid ouncis of siluer.