Middle English Dictionary Entry
wīver n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | wīver n.(1) Also wivere; pl. wivers(e. |
| Etymology | OF/AF wivre, var. of OF guivre viper. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. guivre n. (Suppl.), vipera n.
1.
(a) A poisonous snake, viper; also fig. and in fig. context;
(b) ?in surname.
Associated quotations
a
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)3.1010 : Noot I for-why ne how That jalousie…that wikked wyvere, Thus causeles is cropen into yow.
- a1450 Parton.(1) (UC C.188)7079 : Now ys he allone in the wyldernesse Amonge wyuerse and serpentes.
- a1450 Parton.(1) (UC C.188)7254 : Maruk shewed here grete lyouns…Dragons, wyuers, and eke serpens.
- 1532-1897(c1385) Usk TL (Thynne:Skeat)124/34 : Ye ne ought in no maner accompte thilke thing [jealousy] among these other welked wivers and venomous serpentes, as envy, mistrust, and yvel speche.
b
- (1325) Name in LuSE 35 ()4 : Del Wyuerbanck.