Middle English Dictionary Entry
wọ̄f n.
Entry Info
Forms | wọ̄f n. Also of(e, offe. |
Etymology | From OE ōweb, ōwef. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. weft(e n.
1.
(a) The cross-threads, taken collectively, in a piece of woven fabric, running at right angles to the warp or foundation threads, the weft or woof;—sometimes used indiscriminately to refer to either warp or woof; ~ werk;
(b) thread or yarn for making the woof; ?also, thread suitable for weaving generally;
(c) the transverse filaments connecting the radiating threads of a spider’s web.
Associated quotations
a
- c1200 *Bod.730 Gloss.[OD col.] (Bod 730)fol.145/1 : Subtemen: of.
- a1425(a1382) WBible(1) (Corp-O 4)Lev.13.47 : A wullun clooth, or lynnen…hath a lepre in the oof, or in the werpe [WB(2): warp ethir oof; L stamine atque subtegmine].
- a1425(c1395) WBible(2) (Roy 1.C.8)Gen.14.23 : Fro the threde of oof [vr. oof werk; L subtegminis] til to the layner of the hose I schal not take of alle thingis that ben thine.
- a1500 Hrl.1002 Gloss.(Hrl 1002)628 : Iurgillum, glomerus, subtegmen [glossed:] warpe, sic quoque stamen [glossed:] offe.
b
- (1375-6) Leet R.Norwich in Seld.Soc.5 ()63 : Simon persona ecclesie Sce Margarete…est communis emptor bladorum, lane, fili lane, oof, et warp…et non est civis.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)362 : Oof [Win: Oofe], threde for webbynge: Trama, stamen, subtegmen.
c
- (a1398) *Trev.Barth.(Add 27944)270b/a : Whanne þe werk [?read: werp] is ydrawe and yleyde, þanne he bigynneþ froþe myddil poynt and goþ round aboute wiþ þe oof.