Middle English Dictionary Entry
whispering(e ger.
Entry Info
| Forms | whispering(e ger. Also whispringe, wispring. |
| Etymology | From whisperen v.; cp. OE hwisprung. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
The act or sound of whispering; also, the act or practice of speaking covertly, indirectly, in an insinuating manner, etc.; also, rumor, gossip; a rumor.
Associated quotations
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)1.2785 : So sore sche dradde, goyng vp and dovn…whan sche heryth wispring eny-where; It was venym sothly in hir ere.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)2.1753 : Was Troilus nought in a kankedort, That lay, and myghte whisprynge of hem here?
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)349 : Musterynge, or qwysperynge: Mussitacio.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)525 : Whysperynge: Mussitacio.
- c1450(c1380) Chaucer HF (Benson-Robinson)1958 : Ne never rest is in that place That hit nys fild ful of tydynges, Other loude, or of whisprynges [vrr. wisprynges, whisperynges].
- a1500(?a1390) Mirk Fest.(GoughETop 4)279/32 : God hymselfe sayth…‘My howse ys an house of oresons’…now hit ys made an hous of dadull and of whisperyng and rownyng.