Middle English Dictionary Entry
wither-laue n.
Entry Info
| Forms | wither-laue n. Pl. (early) wiðerlahen, wiðerlaȝen. |
| Etymology | From wither adj. & laue n.; cp. OFris. wither-laga. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A ruffian, thug, villain.
Associated quotations
- c1225 St.Marg.(1) (Roy 17.A.27)13/20 : Þe awaride wiðer-lahen leiden swa luðerliche on hire leofliche lich, þat hit brec oueral, ant liðerede o blode.
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)5471 : Ich sloh Asclepidiot þene king, þe hæfde þurh his wiðer-laȝen muchel of þine cunne of-slaȝen.