Middle English Dictionary Entry
wrixlen v.
Entry Info
| Forms | wrixlen v. Also (16th cent.) wrixle; p. (16th cent.) wrixlet, wrixlit; ppl. (NWM) wrux(e)led. |
| Etymology | OE wrixlan, wrixlian. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. biwrixled ppl.
1.
(a) To alter (someone’s mind or mental faculties), effect a change in; also, confuse (sb.), confound;
(b) to exchange (opinions), speak (one’s mind);
(c) ppl. wruxeled, adorned, clad; ?also, built up [1st quot.].
Associated quotations
a
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)445 : Syn wemen are wilfull & þere wit chaunges, And so likrus of loue in likyng of yowthe, Þis vnwarnes of wit wrixlis hys mynd.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)2061 : What wrixlit þi wit & þi wille chaunget?
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)9327 : What whylenes, or wanspede, wryxles our mynd?
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)10328 : Wodenes þe wrixlet, & þi wit failet.
b
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)3120 : Þai hade laisure at lust þere likyng to say And wrixle þere wit & þere wille shewe.
c
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)1381 : Þe borȝ watz…brod and…bigge…Umbesweyed on uch a syde wyth seven grete wateres, Wyth a wonder wroȝt walle wruxeled ful hiȝe, Wyth koynt carneles above, corven ful clene.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)2191 : Þis oritore is vgly, with erbez ouer-growen Wel bisemez þe wyȝe wruxled in grene Dele here his deuocioun.