Middle English Dictionary Entry
whippel-trẹ̄ n.
Entry Info
| Forms | whippel-trẹ̄ n. Also whippultre, whipiltre, wippiltre, wipultre, (in place names) wiper(e & (?error) whippiltrre. |
| Etymology | From trẹ̄ n.; origin of 1st element uncertain, but cp. MLG wipel-bom (OD). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A tree of some sort, possibly the cornel or European dogwood (Cornus sanguinea);
(b) ?in place names [see Smith PNElem. 2.257].
Associated quotations
a
- (c1385) Chaucer CT.Kn.(Manly-Rickert)A.2923 : The names how the trees highte, As ook, fir, birch, asp…Mapul, thorn, beech, hasyl, ew, whippultree [vrr. whippeltre, wyppyltre, Whippil trre, whipiltre, wypultre], How they were feld shal nat been told for me.
b
- (1156) EPNSoc.3 (Bedf.& Hnt.) ()159 : Wyperley.
- (1285) EPNSoc.3 (Bedf.& Hnt.) ()159 : Wypereleya.
- (1393) EPNSoc.3 (Bedf.& Hnt.) ()159 : Wyperley.