Middle English Dictionary Entry
blīve adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | blīve adj. Also blyf(e. |
| Etymology | From adv. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Rapid, quick; (b) happy (about sth.), glad (to do sth.); (c) ?pleasant, delightful.
Associated quotations
a
- a1450(c1433) Lydg.St.Edm.(Hrl 2278)386/554 : Wher ther speed was outher slouh or blyue.
- a1550 *Norton OAlch.(BodeMus 63)1623 : Watter clenseth with ablucion blyue.
b
- a1450 Gener.(1) (Mrg M 876)3106 : Oon told hir he was yet on liue, And she was therof ful bliue.
- c1455 Chaucer CT.WB.(Tak 32)D.220 : Blive [crit.ed.: Ech of hem ful blisful was and fawe To brynge me gaye thynges].
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)12/379 : Þan pylat is besy and ryth blyff [rime: ryff]; cryst for to savyn he ȝevyth councelle.
c
- a1450 Castle Persev.(Folg V.a.354)2975 : I haue purchasyd..parkis & poundys, & bouris blyfe.