Middle English Dictionary Entry
wīflē̆s adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | wīflē̆s adj. |
| Etymology | From wīf n.(2); also cp. OE wīflēas. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Lacking a wife, in the state of bachelorhood or in the condition of a widower; also, prohibited from taking a wife, celibate [quot. a1425];
(b) as surname.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)8.1760 : Bot yit for al his noble array Wifles he was into that day.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Mch.(Manly-Rickert)E.1248 : And sixty yeer a wiflees man was he.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)26281 : He þat slas his aun wijf, He agh be wijfeles al his lijf.
- a1425 Wycl.Serm.(Bod 788)1.364 : Here mai men douten and trete of þe staat and liif of prestis, how þei ben…wyflees aȝens Goddis autorite.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)526 : Wyyfles, or not weddyd: Agamus, agama.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)1090 : Fawnus lyvid wyfles.
- 1485(a1470) Malory Wks.(Caxton:Vinaver)9/37 : Our kyng is a lusty knyghte and wyveles.
b
- (1327) Sub.R.Sus.in Sus.RS 10203 : Johe. le Wyflese.
- (1332) in Reaney Dict.Br.Surnames (3rd ed.) ()491 : Stephen Wyflese.