Middle English Dictionary Entry
yernes n.
Entry Info
| Forms | yernes n. Also (early) ȝeornesse. |
| Etymology | OE geornes; for 2nd quot. also cp. ME yern(e adj. or yernen v. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A state of alertness, heedfulness; also, eagerness.
Associated quotations
- c1175(OE) Bod.Hom.Dom.Quadr.(Bod 343)44/15 : Waciæþ on ȝeornesse, forþam ðe ȝe nyten hwænne Drihten cumende bið.
- a1425 HBk.GDei (Hnt HM 148)81/7 : Þe ȝhernynge þat God has to þe kyndels slike yernes in þe to like þe in-ne slike wordes.