Middle English Dictionary Entry
wrobben v.
Entry Info
| Forms | wrobben v. Also wrobbe, wrabbe. |
| Etymology | Origin uncertain: cp. LOE (in place names) wrabe-, wrabba-; Dan. dial. vrovle, Swed. Norw. dial. vravla to twist together, babble; & perh. OI rabba to babble. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
To babble on, prattle; ~ ayenes, voice complaints; also, rail against (God).
Associated quotations
- a1400 Ancr.(Pep 2498)100/1 : Hij þat gruccheden & wrabbeden aȝein, he slouȝ hem.
- a1400 Ancr.(Pep 2498)164/3 : Hij nebeþ nouȝth pacient in her anguisch bot chidande wiþ god & wrabbande aȝeins hym.
- c1440 Thos.Ercel.(Thrn)38 : If j solde sytt to domesdaye, With my tonge, to wrobbe [vr. wrabbe] and wrye, Certanely þat lady gaye, Neuer bese scho askryede for mee.