Middle English Dictionary Entry
wīver n.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | wīver n.(2) Also wever; pl. wevres. |
| Etymology | Origin uncertain: perh. AL wyvra or wyura beam; also cp. OE wifer, wivere arrow, dart, or javelin. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A support beam, girder; ~ tre;
(b) a rod or rack on which to hang a towel.
Associated quotations
a
- (1302-3) Acc.Chester in LCRS 5925 : [To Robert de Burton and his fellow-carpenters…putting] postes [and] weures [in the cellar].
- a1325 Gloss.Bibbesw.(Cmb Gg.1.1)944 : Suir la mesere en travers outre Amount le celer mettez le poutre [glossed:] the wiver tre [vrr. the bem, gistes].
b
- (1412-13) Acc.Hythe in Archaeol.Cant.10248 : Item, in factura de le Wever juxta summo altari super quo pendet manutergium.