Middle English Dictionary Entry
worsum n.
Entry Info
| Forms | worsum n. Also (early) wursum, wirsum, (Orm.) wirrsenn & (?errors) wrusum, ruse. |
| Etymology | From OE worsm, wursm, vars. of worms, wurms. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. wirms n.
1.
Purulent or corrupt matter, pus.
Associated quotations
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)4782 : He toc forrþrihht anan To rotenn & to stinnkenn & war & wirrsenn toc anan Ut off hiss lic to flowenn.
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)141/27 : Weilawei mine wunden þe weren feire ihealet gede rið neowe wursum [Nero: wrusum] & foð on eft to rotien.
- c1230(?a1200) Ancr.(Corp-C 402)165/16 : Hwuch schendlac & hwuch sorhe bið þer…hwen alle þe leaues schule beon to warplet, & al þet fulðe schaweð him, & wringeð ut þet wursum [Tit: wirsum; Pep: ruse] biuoren al þe wide worlt.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)11835 : His teth vt of his heued fell…Ouer-al wrang vte worsum and ware, And wormes creuld here and þare.