Middle English Dictionary Entry

whippen v.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms whippen v. Also whip(pe, whipe, wippen, wipe, qwippe, (early SWM) hwippen; sg.3 quippeis.
Etymology Perh. from MDu., MLG wippen; cp. ME whip(pe n.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To move rapidly, move back and forth quickly; specif. of a dragon: flap or flutter furiously (with its wings); of a bird: struggle (in a snare) by fluttering or flapping the wings; ~ in, enter a room with a rapid darting motion, dart in; (b) to thrust (sth.) with a quick motion (into one’s coat).
Show 4 Quotations
2.
(a) To scourge (sb., oneself), beat, whip; (b) hawk. ?to beat the bushes; ?crack a whip as a signal to the hawk.
Show 5 Quotations
3.
In phrase: ~ of, to cut off (a head) with a quick slashing blow.
Show 3 Quotations
4.
To enclose (thread) by winding a cord or thread around it [cp. whip(pe n. 1.(c)].
Show 1 Quotation
5.
In surnames.
Show 2 Quotations

©2024 Regents of the University of Michigan. For details about this collection's copyright see the MEC copyright statement and the U-M Library Copyright Policy. Data last refreshed December 2023.