(a) To lie over the surface of (sth.), cover; of a shadow: be cast over (sb.);—used in fig. context; (b) to serve as a roof, shield, or defensive structure for (sb. or sth.), protect;—usu. used in fig. context; also, shield (sb.) [last quot.]; (c) to be disseminated or distributed over the surface of (sth.); bunch or cluster thickly over the surface of (sth.).

In phrase ben wrien: (a) to be blanketed (with dried herbage); (b) to be covered (with spines, leaves, birds); also in fig. context; (c) to be crowded, be filled with people; be filled (with troops); also, be thickly strewn (with corpses).

(a) To cover (a pit, vessel, etc.) by stopping an opening, put a lid on; cover (the contents of a vessel or pit) with a lid; also in fig. context;—also without obj.; (b) to cover the surface of (sth. with a cloth); overlay (flooring with marble or tile); (c) to cover (sth., the body, a part of the body) by draping it, shield from view (with a covering); veil (the face, head) for purposes of modesty; also in fig. context; also, cover (someone’s face) so as to blindfold him [quot. a1400 Comp.Our Lady, 1st]; (d) to cover up (sb., oneself) for warmth, cover (with a covering); wrap up (the roots of vines) against the cold; also, spread a cover of ashes over (hot coals), bank; cover (sth. with a layer of ash, dung, etc.) for warmth or protection; (e) to cover (sth., oneself) so as to deceive, misrepresent, etc., hide, conceal; also in fig. context; keep (sth.) hidden; fail or refuse to disclose (information); also, obscure (the meaning of words); render (someone’s sins) imperceptible, remove from sight [quot. a1500 Add.Hymnal]; refl. dissemble [quot. a1425]; ppl. wrien, hidden; undeclared, secret; also, disguised; (f) refl. to assume a defensive posture, take cover.

(a) To clothe (oneself); dress (oneself in a garment); also in fig. context; (b) ppl. wrien, of a knight or a horse: outfitted, equipped; also, caparisoned; (c) to adorn (sb. or sth.), ornament, bedeck; also, festoon (a street with black hangings) as a show of mourning.

(a) To enwrap (sth.), enfold, surround; ~ in armes, embrace (sb.); ben wrien in, fig. of a god: be consumed by (anger); (b) fig. to entrap (sb.) spiritually.

Error for weien v.(1).