Middle English Dictionary Entry
yǒu pron.
Entry Info
Forms | yǒu pron. Also youe, yowe, yo(e, yogh, yau, yeu, yhu, ȝou, ȝouȝ, ȝo(we, ȝu(e, ȝiou, ȝeu, ȝewe, gou, g(i)u, ou, owe, hou, (NWM) ȝau, (N or chiefly N) yu, yhou, ȝhou, ȝhowe & (early) ȝiu, ȝeou, ȝehw, geu, geau, eou, eo(we, eu, euwȝ, æu, heou, heu, (Orm.) ȝuw & (errors) þow, wou, cow, oþ, ue. For forms yiowe, yhu, ȝogh, iow see LALME 4.295-96. |
Etymology | OE ēow, īow, ieow, ēowic, (Nhb.) īouh, īuh, īucgh, acc. or dat. of gē pron. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1a.
As direct obj. with plural referent: you: (a) addressed to more than one person or reification;
(b) with indef. pron. or adj. or num.: ~ alle, alle…~; ~ bothe; ~ ech on; ~ thre;
(c) addressed to an individual or unit regarded as representing or comprising a plurality of persons.
Associated quotations
a
- (1100) Chart.St.Paul in RHS ser.3.5821 : Henric king gret his scirereuan & his þeinas…god eow gehealde.
- (1155) Chart.Hen.II in Hall EME (Hrl Charter 3.B.49)12 : God geau gehealde.
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)13440 : I sette ȝuw to ben Amang hæþene lede.
- c1225(?c1200) St.Marg.(1) (Bod 34)14/24 : Ow nulle ich iheren.
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)2274 : Æuere mare ich æu leouie.
- ?a1300 Jacob & J.(Bod 652)351 : Berewe ȝou from care oure Louerd, þat wel mai.
- a1325(?c1300) NPass.(Cmb Gg.1.1)216 : Þis bred…wol you [vr. yhow] schilde fro iuel ded.
- a1350(c1307) Death Edw.I (Hrl 2253)20 : Y charge ou by oure sware þat ȝe to engelonde be trewe.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1690 : No livand lud ilive ȝou knowe schold.
- c1400(1389) Wycl.25 Art.(Dc 273)479 : God wil accept ȝowe for his trew martiris.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)6792 : I wit suerd þan sal yow sla.
- a1425(c1395) WBible(2) (Roy 1.C.8)John 16.27 : The fadir hym silf loueth ȝou.
- c1450 Spec.Chr.(2) (Hrl 6580)46/6 : Prayez for men pursuynge ȝow wrongly.
- a1475(c1441) Lament Duch.Glo.(Cmb Hh.4.12)114 : Farewell, my clothys so manyfold, ffarewell, I se ȝow neuer agayne.
- a1500 Now wursheppful (Tan 407)13 : We beseche ȝou reporte it not away.
b
- c1225(?c1200) St.Kath.(1) (Roy 17.A.27)67/593 : Te mihte & te mot of an so meoke meiden schal meistren ow alle.
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)2719 : Ȝif ȝe þis nulleð, alle ich ȝeow aquelle.
- c1275(?c1250) Owl & N.(Clg A.9)1697 : Ich oþ alle wolde rede.
- c1330(?a1300) Tristrem (Auch)2184 : Loke now on aday And blod lat ȝou þre.
- c1390 Susan.(Vrn)351 : An angel…Takes þe domes of ȝor honde, Wiþ a brennynge bronde, To byte ȝou baþe.
- c1400(a1376) PPl.A(1) (Trin-C R.3.14)1.52 : Resoun shulde rewele ȝow alle.
- c1400(a1376) PPl.A(1) (Trin-C R.3.14)2.103 : Consience…knowiþ ȝow ichone.
- a1475 Siege Troy(1) (Hrl 525)189/1121l : I do you all to onder-stande.
- -?-(1467) Will in Som.RS 16197 : Ye…in my lyfe here have loved me and y you bothe.
c
- a1225(?OE) Lamb.Hom.(Lamb 487)13 : Stala and steorfa swiðe cow [read: eow] scal hene.
- c1225(?c1200) St.Kath.(1) (Bod 34)16/100 : Ne naueð he þurh oder þing i þis bileaue ibroht ow.
- ?a1300 Fox & W.(Dgb 86)216 : Ich…in bedde to-gedere ou ley [read: sey].
- a1350 Flem.Insur.(Hrl 2253)122 : Alas! þou seli fraunce…ane fewe fullaris makeþ ou so tome.
- (c1384) WBible(1) (Dc 369(2))Bar.4.7 : Thou peple of God…the euerlastyng God…made ȝou.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)5454 : Drightin…sal yow bring of your exile.
- a1425(c1333-52) Minot Poems (Glb E.9)18/21 : Sir Philip sall ȝow schende.
- 1448 Rich.(Arms 58)260/4 : Who shal be borgh…Of the tresour…Yf we leteth yogh passe thus?
- c1475(?c1425) Avow.Arth.(Tay 9)910 : I schall do ȝo wele to witte.
1b.
As direct obj. with referent of indefinite number: you;—addressed to an unspecified readership or audience.
Associated quotations
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)ded.340 : Tale wile icc settenn to To don ȝuw tunnderrstanndenn.
- a1200 Trin.Hom.(Trin-C B.14.52)175 : Ure drihten…fulste…heu fremfulliche to understonden.
- a1275 Ful feir flour (Trin-C B.14.39)21 : Þat ferþe deit ou vnderstonden to seruen crist vid feid & honden.
- (c1387-95) Chaucer CT.Prol.(Manly-Rickert)A.34 : I…made forward erly for to ryse To take oure wey ther as I yow deuyse.
- c1390 Treat.Mass (Vrn)79 : I do ow wel to witen wiþ-outen drede, Þe Masse was mad for monnes nede.
- a1425 Ben.Rule(1) (Lnsd 378)12/10 : Of yure ahen wylle sall ye blinne, al þat wil do yu sinne.
- ?a1425 Orch.Syon (Hrl 3432)362/16 : As I haue toold þee…In þis deedly liif, as longe as ȝe lyue here, I haue bounde ȝou wiþ þe boond of charite.
- a1450 PNoster R.Hermit (Westm-S 3)51/30 : Loke…þat þat þing þat schulde norische mekenes put ȝow noȝt to pride.
- a1500 NPass.(Hrl 215)173/368 : In heuene ich wole ȝo [vr. ȝhowe] cloþy & fede.
1c.
As direct obj. with singular referent: thee, you: (a) addressed to a ruler; also, used by one king to another;
(b) addressed to a superior, an elder, or someone of spiritual or moral authority;
(c) addressed to one’s parent;
(d) addressed to God or Christ;
(e) addressed to one’s husband or (male) lover;
(f) addressed to one’s wife or by a suitor to a lady;
(g) addressed to a person from whom one wishes a favor or boon;
(h) addressed to an equal, a friend, or politely to a stranger;
(i) addressed to an inferior.
Associated quotations
a
- a1325(?c1300) NPass.(Cmb Gg.1.1)1812 : Sire Pilate…Of o þing we warne yow.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)2037 : William…brouȝt ȝou out of bale.
- 1389 Nrf.Gild Ret.53 : To certefyen ȝu of godes and chateux, we do ȝu to witen þat þe fraternite…hatȝ dispent…þe godes.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)1.992 : Ȝow and ȝoures he casteth for to greve.
- a1450 St.Editha (Fst B.3)2417 : Þat assemely lady…badde þat y chulde…grete ȝow welle.
- (?1475) Papers Cely in Camd.ser.3.1 ()1 : Sir…God…ever preserve you.
- a1475 Sidrak & B.(Lnsd 793)266 : Kyng Bokkus…we grete ȝou wel.
- a1525(?1456) Cov.Leet Bk.288 : I, Strengh…wyll playnly appere, Clerely to conseyue yo yn your estate most riall…I, Prudence…Welcum you, dame Margarete, quene crowned of this lande.
b
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)634-5 : Madame…Nis it no sekenes bote þat so sore ȝouȝ eiles, I schal…kever ȝou, I hope.
- a1425(?c1375) NHom.(3) Leg.(Hrl 4196)154/194 : Sir…Þe folk habides ȝow ferly lang.
- c1430(c1386) Chaucer LGW (Benson-Robinson)2086 : God…leve…that I may yow fynde To me…kynde.
c
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)262 : Swete sir, s[o] ȝou Criste help!
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)2631 : Iosep frendes wald…thank ȝou for þis dede.
- c1475 Brm.Abraham (Brm)29 : Abraham, myn owyn fader…To folowe ȝow I am full glad.
d
- a1400(?a1325) Bonav.Medit.(1) (Hrl 1701)314 : My wurschypful fadyr…Here my bone…For sorowe my soule haþ ȝow soȝt.
- a1400 Ffadur and sone (RwlLtrg g.2)40 : Y the praie…þat i mowe euere ȝow see.
- c1450(c1370) Chaucer ABC (Benson-Robinson)177 : Zacharie yow clepeth the open welle.
- a1500 Nicod.(4) (Hrl 149)46 : He worschypped hym [Jesus] and seyde vn-to hym, ‘The prynce calleth you [F vuz apele, vr. t’apele].’
e
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)2363 : I no wold be alive…after I seie ȝou suffere þe deþe.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.1205 : Sire…that I noght yow greue Of my pouerte namoore ye me repreue.
- a1425(c1300) NHom.(1) Alex.(Ashm 42)110 : God bringe ȝow sone againe to me!
- (1448) Paston (EETS)1.220 : Þe Holy Trinite haue yow in hesse.
- a1450(c1410) Lovel.Grail (Corp-C 80)36.271 : Vp to Me I schal ȝow drawe.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)31/294 : Whi, syr, what alis you?
f
- (c1385) Chaucer CT.Kn.(Manly-Rickert)A.1273 : I may nat seen yow, Emelye.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.320 : I knowe yow for a trewe wyf, dame Alys.
- c1430(c1386) Chaucer LGW (Benson-Robinson)2034 : The ryghte lady of my lyf…I…wol yow serve.
- a1500 Thayr ys no myrth (SeldSup 52)16 : Be trew, lady, for I you truste.
g
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Fri.(Manly-Rickert)D.1411 : Brother…where is now youre dwellyng Another day if that I sholde yow seche?
- a1500(?a1475) Guy(4) (Cmb Ff.2.38)4181 : Yf any man wyll yow dere…Do me to wyt anon ryght.
h
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)1922 : Þai…wold þe child & ȝow haue slane.
- a1450(?c1421) Lydg.ST (Arun 119)120 : Lik as I pouer haue and myght, I Charge ȝow rise not at Mydnyght.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)25 : J haue to miche forbore yow.
- (?a1485) Paston (EETS)1.652 : I beseche yow to recomaunde me.
- a1500 I shall you tell a full (Vit D.12)p.253 : Good gossyppe…Hit is long agoo sythe I youe ssee.
i
- a1425(?a1400) RRose (Htrn 409)4850 : He doth trespasse, I you ensure.
- a1500(c1450) Let.Marg.Anjou in Camd.86 (Add 46846)124 : Trusty and welbeloved in God, we grete you wele.
2a.
As indirect obj. (broadly interpreted) with plural referent: you; to you, for you: (a) addressed to more than one person;
(b) with indef. pron. or adj.; ~ alle; ~ ech on;
(c) addressed to an individual or unit regarded as representing or comprising a plurality of persons.
Associated quotations
a
- (1100) Chart.St.Paul in RHS ser.3.5820 : Ic kyþe eow þet ic habbe geunnan Maurice bisceope þat bissceoperice on Lundone.
- a1150(OE) Vsp.D.Hom.(Vsp D.14)123/4 : Mine gebroðre…Nu wylle we eow hwæt lytles beo him gereccen.
- c1175(?OE) HRood (Bod 343)26/31 : Ne sæcge ic eow ȝyt na mare.
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)9305 : Þatt tatt ȝuw iss sett to don Ne do ȝe.
- a1225(?OE) Lamb.Hom.(Lamb 487)39 : Nis nan mon…swa wrecche þet he ne mei sum þing iforðian of þan þe ic heou habbe iseid.
- a1275 On leome (Trin-C B.14.39)117 : Pine…I-Greiþid…was hou þore [read: yore].
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)13234 : Hit is eo muchel scome þat ȝe wulleð at-sceken.
- a1300 Nu sittet (Cmb Mm.1.18)20 : Als ich sege ue [read: eu], so it sal bu.
- a1325(?c1300) NPass.(Cmb Gg.1.1)301 : God ensample ihaue hou [vr. ȝhow] yieue.
- (c1385) Chaucer CT.Kn.(Manly-Rickert)A.1818 : I yow foryeue al hoolly this trespaas.
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)10.446 : I shal be in ȝoure mouthes And ȝyue ȝow witte.
- a1425(c1333-52) Minot Poems (Glb E.9)27/4 : Calays men…Sir Edward sall ken ȝow ȝowre crede.
- a1425 NPass.(Cmb Gg.5.31)81/788 : It is no butte…ȝhowe to tell no nowe techyng.
- c1450 Ponthus (Dgb 185)4/22 : I schal doo you muche goode.
- ?a1475(a1396) *Hilton SP (Hrl 6579)1.35.22a : I schewed ȝow…nouȝt…bute Ihesu Crist and Hym crucified.
- a1500(?a1425) Chester Pl.Antichr.(Pen 399)492/14 : Youre savyor…in the lawe wos youe behyght.
- a1475 Sidrak & B.(Lnsd 793)92,94 : I wole ȝou swere Þat I shal…Ful richely quite ȝou ȝoure mede.
- 1530(c1450) Mirror Our Lady (Fawkes)66 : Youre holy rewle…forbyddeth you redynge of all vayne and ydel thynges.
b
- (c1300) Havelok (LdMisc 108)169 : Ich wille you alle preye…Wo may yemen hire so longe.
- c1330(?a1300) Guy(2) (Auch)p.580 : Ich axi ȝou ichon, What rede is best for to don?
- ?c1400 Ion blessis (Magd-C F.4.5)15 : Þis way went I to teche ȝou alle Hou ȝe shal enter to heuenly halle.
- a1425 Siege Troy(1) (LinI 150)18/213 : Y telle ȝow alle, wiþ-oute fayle, Þus endiþ þeo forme bataile.
- c1450(c1400) Rev.Jul.Norwich (Add 37790)46/21 : I praye ȝowe alle for goddys sake…that ȝe leve the behaldynge of the wrechid worlde.
c
- c1175(OE) Bod.Hom.Nicod.(Bod 343)10/2 : Gif ic eorðlice þing eow openlice sæcge, [etc.].
- a1225(OE) Vsp.A.Hom.Init.Creat.(Vsp A.22)223 : He com þa…toðan wife and hir to cweð, ‘Hwi for-bead ȝeu god þes trowes westm?’…Þa cweð þat wif, ‘God hus for-bead þes trowes westm, [etc.].’
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)5473 : Muchelne scome he eow dude.
- a1325(?c1300) NPass.(Cmb Gg.1.1)406 : Iesu…to his disciples com…gon…Furst to Petir gan he calle, ‘þis is…notht þe ded þat i hou comanded wan i yȝede.’
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)2366 : Abram…To chanaan ȝee most now drau A land þe quilk i sal yow scau.
- (a1402) Trev.Dial.MC (Hrl 1900)22/14 : It is seide ȝou þat ȝe haueþ y-fonge alle siche lordschipes.
- a1425(c1333-52) Minot Poems (Glb E.9)17/1 : Towrenay, ȝow has tight To timber trey and tene A bore.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)3648 : Wee ȝewe tell in sikirnes…That so many botirflyes wee shul nevir gete.
- a1500(c1410) Dives & P.(Htrn 270)1.62 : Þat he hatȝ ȝouyn ȝow to lyuyn by, ȝe forsakyn it.
2b.
As indirect obj. (broadly interpreted) with referent of indefinite number: you; to you, for you;—addressed to an unspecified audience or readership; ?also, used generically: one, anyone.
Associated quotations
- c1175(?OE) Bod.Hom.(Bod 343)76/13 : Uincencius…be þam þe we eow sæden ær.
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)pref.99 : Wile icc shæwenn ȝuw forrwhi Goddspell iss Goddspell nemmnedd.
- a1225(?OE) Vsp.A.Hom.(Vsp A.22)237 : Ȝe habbeð understande þat we ȝiu er sede.
- a1225(?OE) Vsp.A.Hom.(Vsp A.22)237 : We sede ȝehw þat…me sceolde ȝief him his morȝe mete.
- ?c1250 PMor.(Eg 613(1))287 : Of þo pine þe þere bued nelle ic hou nout leioȝen.
- c1275(?c1250) Owl & N.(Clg A.9)1793 : Ne chan ich eu namore telle.
- ?a1300 Jacob & J.(Bod 652)22 : Nou ich wole…tellen ou of Iacob.
- c1330(?a1300) Arth.& M.(Auch)4802 : He hem tohewe, ich ȝou swer, So flesche doþ þe flesche-heweere.
- c1390(?a1300) Stations Rome(1) Prol.(Vrn)31 : Þat may vche mon at Rome fynde…As I her-after ow schal telle.
- c1400(?a1300) KAlex.(LdMisc 622)962 : Nicholas…slouȝ of Alisaunder men, Moo þan J ȝou telle can.
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)381 : In gude thewes was scho plentyuouse…So myk als I þow [read: yow] say.
- a1425(a1400) PConsc.(Glb E.9 & Hrl 4196)3560 : Here haf I shewed yhow on Inglys Som syns þat Saynt Austyn specifys.
- a1425 Form Conf.(1) (Add 37787)294 : Viset þe pore prisoners…þat mow not come out to aske yew almes.
- c1430(c1380) Chaucer PF (Benson-Robinson)16 : On bokes rede I ofte, as I yow tolde.
- a1450 Treat.Horses (Sln 2584)85/8 : I wol schewe ȝou as j haue jlerned sum curus for hors.
- c1450(c1400) Rev.Jul.Norwich (Add 37790)46/31 : Take it with als grete ioye and lykynge as Ihesu hadde schewyd it ȝowe as he dyd to me.
- a1475 Siege Troy(1) (Hrl 525)189/1121n : As I yow say, The ffleshe quyte he paryth a-down.
- a1500(1422) Yonge SSecr.(Rwl B.490)180/20 : Now haue y Sewyd yowe the tokenes…of the hardy.
- a1500 God made (Dgb 88)5 : The iiijth day, as I you say, ys right good for man.
2c.
As indirect obj. (broadly interpreted) with singular referent: thee, you; to you, for you: (a) addressed to a ruler or lord;
(b) addressed to one’s superior, or to someone of spiritual or moral authority;
(c) addressed to one’s parent;
(d) addressed to God;
(e) addressed to one’s husband or (male) lover;
(f) addressed to one’s lady;
(g) addressed to a person of whom one wishes to make a request;
(h) addressed to an equal, a stranger, or friend;
(i) addressed to someone younger.
Associated quotations
a
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)2260 : Louerd…Gur siluer is gu brogt a-gon.
- c1330(?a1300) Tristrem (Auch)1787 : Hye bad ous say ȝou so.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)2006 : Sire…I am hold to saie ȝou þe treuþe.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)545 : Lege lorde of my lyf, leue I yow ask.
- a1425(?c1375) NHom.(3) Leg.(Hrl 4196)170/513 : Sir Emperore…Ger ordan als I sall ȝow say.
- c1440(a1400) Awntyrs Arth.(Thrn)465 : My trouthe I ȝow plyghte I salle feghte withe ȝone knyghte.
- c1450 Ponthus (Dgb 185)7/1 : Lete…all the…contres…yeld you tribute.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)611/1 : Syre…kyng Pellenore…dyd you somtyme good servyse.
- a1500(?c1450) Merlin (Cmb Ff.3.11)35 : Sir…he shall telle yow apertly.
b
- (c1300) Havelok (LdMisc 108)912 : Fir and water y wile yow fete.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1030 : Madame…have ȝe geten þe gras þat I ȝou geynliche hiȝt?
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Mel.(Manly-Rickert)B.2933 : We preyen yow and biseken yow as mekely as we konne and mowen.
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)6.255 : I prey ȝow…and ȝe kunne Eny leef of lechecraft, lere it me.
- (1444) Paston2.25 : My most worshipful maister…He preyith yow to holde hym excused.
- a1450 St.Editha (Fst B.3)1983 : Y preyȝe ȝow, dere modur, for-ȝeuyth me also.
- c1475(c1445) Pecock Donet (Bod 916)43/18 : Fadir…y ouȝte not bere ȝou an honde þat ȝe putten vicis into þe iije table.
c
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)354 : I bes[e]che ȝou nowþe…gretes ofte my godelyche moder.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)5273 : I sal yow sai.
- c1475 Brm.Abraham (Brm)165 : Dere fader, I prey ȝow, hydygth not fro me.
d
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)357/71 : O hye wysdam…I make you gratulacyon.
e
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1813 : I seie ȝou, sire, bi mi liif, þis liif so me likes.
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)2958 : My son and I…Sall ȝou [Joseph] makess amende.
f
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)1.2591 : I seie ȝow be my feith, Myn hert menyth as my tong seith.
- c1450 Myn owne dere ladi (Cai 383/603)p.300 : Myn owne dere ladi…Y pray ow in herte ye ruwen on me.
g
- (c1300) Havelok (LdMisc 108)1626 : Ich…Þer-of bi-seche you nou leue.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Pard.(Manly-Rickert)C.965 : Ye, sire hoost…I pray yow that ye kisse the pardoner.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Sh.(Manly-Rickert)B.1460 : I wolde preye yow for to lene me An hundred frankes.
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)6.129 : We preye…Þat god…ȝelde ȝow of ȝowre almesse þat ȝe ȝiue vs here.
- c1500 Is tell yw (Add 14997)1 : Is tell yw my mynd, anes tayliur, dame.
h
- a1275 Ful feir flour (Trin-C B.14.39)14 : Þus is vriten in þe gospelle, min suete vrend, asse ic ou telle.
- a1300 A Mayde Cristes (Jes-O 29)118 : Hit is feyrure of feole volde more þan ich eu telle con.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)839 : Kryst hit yow for-ȝelde.
- c1409 in Lyte Cat.Mus.PRO ()38 : Well beloved cosin, I send yaw a bylle for the quene towchyng her dower, wych I pray yow micht be sped.
- a1450 Comment.Hilton LL (Hrl 2406)329/3 : I telle yhu þat a blinde man is no gode leder.
- (a1470) Stonor ()1.111 : Thys y promyte you schalbe performet on oure behalfe.
i
- (1471) Paston (EETS)1.354 : I can yw thanke fore ywyre letter.
2d.
As dative of interest or reference: (a) with plural referent: with respect to you, for you; also, from you, at your expense; to your benefit; what is ~, what troubles you?, what is your problem?;
(b) with singular referent: to thee, to you.
Associated quotations
a
- a1225(?OE) Lamb.Hom.(Lamb 487)13 : Þenne scal eou sone ȝe-waxen muchele wrake.
- a1225(?OE) Lamb.Hom.(Lamb 487)13 : Lond heo eou awesteð.
- a1250 Ancr.(Nero A.14)38/23 : Vre louerd…holde ou our earen urom hore attrie tungen.
- c1300 SLeg.Brendan (Hrl 2277:Horst.)236 : Gret trauayl ȝou is to come, er ȝe eftsone lond iseo.
- (c1300) Havelok (LdMisc 108)453 : Wat is yw? Hwi grete ye and goulen nou?
- ?c1335 Nou ihc for þi (Hrl 913)8 : Lif and catel he wol ȝou reue.
- c1325(c1300) Glo.Chron.A (Clg A.11)10291 : Ȝe mowe me makie suerie wat owe wille be.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)523 : Sesounez schal yow never sese.
- c1450 Spec.Chr.(2) (Hrl 6580)12/26 : Frendes…suche peyne schal turne ȝou to ioye [SC(1): pena uertetur in gaudium].
b
- c1475 Mankind (Folg V.a.354)232 : Intende well, and Gode wyll be yow adjutory.
3a.
As obj. of prep. with plural referent: you: (a) addressed to more than one person or personification;
(b) with noun, indef. adj., or num.; ~ alle, ~ two, etc.;
(c) addressed to an individual or unit regarded as representing or comprising a plurality of persons; to ~ ward.
Associated quotations
a
- a1150(OE) Vsp.D.Hom.VA (Vsp D.14)16/23 : Ic sylf beo mid eow soðlice ealle dagen, oððe geændunge þysser wurlde.
- a1225(OE) Vsp.A.Hom.Init.Creat.(Vsp A.22)225 : Ic wille settan mi wed betwuxe me and eow.
- (1258) Procl.Hen.III in PST (1868)21 : We senden…þis writ…to halden amanges ȝew inehord.
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)6904 : Of eou ich wulle iwiten…whahæt cnihten ȝe seon.
- c1300 SLeg.Magd.(2) (LdMisc 108)208 : Huy ne mouwen…no guod to eu bringue.
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)2316 : Gret vn-selðehe is gu cumen on.
- c1330 7 Sages(1) (Auch)13/249 : Echon of ȝo mai saue me a dai.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1032 : Eiþer of ȝou…is god leche til oþer.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)2375 : In yow is vylany & vyse þat vertue disstryez.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)3.198 : Lat se which of yow shal bere the belle.
- a1425 Ben.Rule(1) (Lnsd 378)2/16 : My suete sistirs, I saie to yu, es na sueter uoice þan of iesu.
- a1450 SLeg.Fran.(2) (Bod 779)332 : Manyman þorwȝ sinne þorwȝ ȝowȝ chal abrouȝt be.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290)394/402 : I schall be with youe wher ȝe wende.
- ?a1475(a1396) *Hilton SP (Hrl 6579)1.9.6a : We ere more sobre to ȝiow bi bodili felynge.
- a1500(c1410) Dives & P.(Htrn 270)1.289 : Þat is tokene betwexe me & ȝou.
- -?-(1467) Will in Som.RS 16197 : I trust on Jesu to doo for you.
b
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)6118 : Þe birrþ þin rihhte swinnkess winn Upponn ȝuw alle nittenn.
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)6604 : His munekes…sculleð witnesse beren eowe alle biuoren.
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)399 : Summe sulen of gu to kumen Sulen ben in-to reste numen.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Fkl.(Manly-Rickert)F.1532 : I departe the loue bitwix yow two.
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)8.25 : Ergo, he nys nauȝt alway amonge ȝow freres.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)357 : Schal no flesch…by fonden on lyve Outtaken yow aȝt in þis ark.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)3.942 : Al my trist Is on yow two.
- c1450 NPass.(Cmb Ii.4.9)360 : Be for yow alle I haue knelyd to.
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)104/204 : She xal restore Of ȝow Aungellys þe grett Ruyne.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)329/105 : To here theym…I lang, here of yow two.
- a1500 Nicod.(4) (Hrl 149)124 : Take youre penaunce that he may haue mercy vppon youre fadrys and vppon you alle.
c
- c1275(?c1250) Owl & N.(Clg A.9)1683 : Schille ich an utest uppen oþ [Jes-O: eu] grede.
- c1300 SLeg.Kath.(LdMisc 108)46 : Ich cam to speke mid eov of þat ȝe bi-leuez a-mis.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)777 : Þe south fra ȝow wil I noght hide…wat tim or tide þat ȝee hade eten o þis tre, Als godds suld ȝee seluen be.
- a1400 Cursor (Trin-C R.3.8)939 : Adam…I made euel & good to ȝou knowen.
- c1400(?c1380) Pearl (Nero A.10)287 : Were I at yow byȝonde þise wawez, I were a ioyful jueler.
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)1268 : Bedleem…Yf ȝow for lityll pris stande.
- (a1402) Trev.Dial.MC (Hrl 1900)23/15 : Is it nouȝt greuous to ȝou?
- ?a1425(c1380) Chaucer Bo.(Benson-Robinson)5.pr.6.139 : Thei shollen betyde to yow-ward in tyme to comen.
3b.
As obj. of prep. with referent of indefinite number: you;—addressed to an unspecified readership or audience.
Associated quotations
- c1200 Wor.Serm.in EGSt.7 (Wor Q.29)7 : Þe halie pistel…me redde todei biforen heou.
- a1225 Wint.Ben.Rule (Cld D.3)5/18 : Mine eagen buð ofer eow.
- ?a1300 Sayings St.Bede (Dgb 86)287 : Lokeþ…Wat ich for ou ouþe.
- c1390 Bi west (Vrn)169 : I munge no more of þis to ȝou.
- ?a1425 Orch.Syon (Hrl 3432)328/8 : Myn owne sone…was ȝour mediatour bytwene me, eendelees God, and ȝou.
- a1500(1465) Leversedge Vision (Add 34193)129/668 : Oure Lord Jhesu Crist…lof…had unto ȝou.
- a1500(c1477) Norton OAlch.(Add 10302)814 : He þat proferthe hathe more neede Of yow than ye of hym.
3c.
As obj. of prep. with singular referent: thee, you: (a) addressed to a ruler; unto ~ ward;
(b) addressed to one’s master, mistress, or social superior, or to someone of moral or spiritual authority; to ~ ward (wardes);
(c) addressed to one’s parent;
(d) addressed to God, Christ, or Mary;
(e) addressed to one’s husband;
(f) addressed to one’s wife or to a lady; to ~ ward;
(g) addressed to a person of whom one wishes to make a request;
(h) addressed to an equal;
(i) addressed to an inferior.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1300) Havelok (LdMisc 108)2799 : Leuedi…we ayen you haue be fikel.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)344 : Wolde ȝe…Bid me boȝe fro þis benche & stonde by yow þere?
- (1420) Let.in Ellis Orig.Let.ser.3.168 : And it lyke vn to ȝowr most heygh and most graciows lordschipe as towchyng hys comyng vn to ȝow ward, [etc.].
- a1450(?1404) As þe see (Dgb 102)84 : Sire, þey synge…of gow.
- (a1464) Capgr.Chron.(Cmb Gg.4.12)7/16 : To my souereyn lord Edward…kyng of Ynglond…This werk send I to ȝow.
- a1500(a1450) Ashmole SSecr.(Ashm 396)19/16 : To his most excellent lord…Guy of Valence, the gracious Bisshop of Tripolis…Y was with yow at Antioch.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)7577 : Lord…Syche a chaunse for to chefe choisly of you, The noise of your nobilte were noyet for euer!
b
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)596 : Wel can ich…be tristy and trew to ȝow for evermore.
- (1448) Paston2.28 : His master was at Causton to yow ward.
- c1450 Alph.Tales (Add 25719)49/16 : Sur, I wulde be shreven at you.
- (1471) Doc.in Sur.Soc.45341 : I…in ye presence of yowe, reverend fader…vowe…to lyve chast.
- a1500 GRom.(Glo 42)732/23 : Alas syr…I haue no þinge to gefe to yow.
- 1532-1897(c1385) Usk TL (Thynne:Skeat)8/125 : These sorowes may I not sustene, but-if my sorowe shulde be told and to you-wardes shewed.
c
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)265 : He wilnes wiȝtli wiþ ȝou to speke.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)5184 : Ioseph…has sent efter yow his chare.
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)46/106-7 : All redy, fadyr…I am ȝow by With ȝow to walk ovyr dale and hill.
d
- (c1300) Havelok (LdMisc 108)1361 : Louerd þat al weldes…For the holi milce of you, Haue merci of me.
- a1400(?a1325) Bonav.Medit.(1) (Hrl 1701)382 : For ȝow we preyd alle with o steuene Þat he shuld nat suffre þe dey þus.
- c1450(c1370) Chaucer ABC (Benson-Robinson)24 : I were wurthi my dampnacioun Nere merci of you, blisful hevene queene.
e
- c1390 NHom.Narrat.(Vrn)16.270/822 : But I beo deceyued, On ȝow þe childre I Conceyued.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Cl.(Manly-Rickert)E.655 : Whan I first cam to yow…Lefte I my wyl.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.1221 : Chees…To han me foul…And be to yow a trewe humble wyf.
- c1400(?c1375) NHom.(3) Cec.(Tbr E.7)60 : Sir, if it war ȝowre will, A cownsail haue I ȝow untill.
- (1448) Paston (EETS)1.221 : Ryth wyrchypful hwsbond, I recomawnd me to ȝw.
f
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Sh.(Manly-Rickert)B.1574 : I am a litel wroth With yow, my wyf.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.1233 : Cheseth youre self which may be…moost honour to yow.
- c1430(c1386) Chaucer LGW (Benson-Robinson)2031 : The ryghte lady of my lyf…I…Fro yow…wol nat twynne.
- c1450 Excellent soueraine (Dc 95)84 : Of ffarewell myn ende shall be To you-ward wher-euere ye wende.
- c1450 Myn owne dere ladi (Cai 383/603)p.300 : Myn owne dere ladi…al my lykyng is on the Wan Y on yow beholde.
g
- c1300 SLeg.Patr.(LdMisc 108)611-12 : A, sire, merci!…A fote i-nelle frame Eov go…Ake soffriez me bi-leue here with ov.
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)20.362 : I shal praye for ȝow…al my lyf tyme…for a litel syluer.
h
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)24 : Bi twixe me and yow was sette a bounde.
- (c1456) Paston2.166 : I may sende a man þidre to mete with yow with þe laste accomptes.
- (1475) Stonor1.157 : Ryght…worchypfull broder…I recommande me to you.
- (?a1485) Paston (EETS)1.652 : I departyd fro yow.
i
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)519 : A yherde sall burgeon…Befor ȝow.
- a1500(c1450) Let.Marg.Anjou in Camd.86 (Add 46846)124 : Dishonor…shulde sowne unto you.
4a.
As reflexive with plural referent, used as direct obj. or as obj. of prep.: yourselves: (a) addressed to more than one person; also, used in dat. constructions: to or for yourselves; avisen (dreden, hien, rapen, etc.) ~, to consider (fear, hurry, etc.);
(b) addressed to an individual regarded as representing more than one person.
Associated quotations
a
- a1150(OE) Vsp.D.Hom.(Vsp D.14)57/25 : Besceawið…mine gebroðre…hwu wræcfull þiss andwearde lif is, & þeah ge ondrædeð eow þæt ge hit to rædlice forlæten.
- a1150(OE) Vsp.D.Hom.(Vsp D.14)100/25 : Andetteð eower synnen betwux eow, [etc.].
- a1225(?OE) Lamb.Hom.(Lamb 487)41 : Earnie ȝe eow nu…þet we bicumen moten to þere upplican riche.
- a1200 Trin.Hom.(Trin-C B.14.52)71 : Goð and sheweð giu giuwer prest.
- a1225(c1200) Vices & V.(1) (Stw 34)41/31-2 : Ȝe willeð ðes hali-gastes wunienge habben mid ȝeu, and ðas ȝewerȝede gastes felauscipe fram euwȝ driuen.
- c1225(?c1200) St.Kath.(1) (Bod 34)72/510 : Ne drede ȝe ow nawiht.
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)7510 : Wrekeð eow…of Sexisce monnen.
- ?a1300 Jacob & J.(Bod 652)345 : Nimeþ ȝou seluer & gold.
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)3129 : Among gu, dredeð gu nogt.
- c1330 Orfeo (Auch)20/216-17 : Make ȝou þan a parlement & chese ȝou a newe king.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1051 : Heiȝe ȝou asunder.
- (a1382) WBible(1) (Dc 369(1))Jer.46.4 : Clotheth ȝou [WB(2): ȝe ȝou] with habiriownus.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Th.(Manly-Rickert)B.1889 : War yow, sires, and lat this man haue place.
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)6.120 : Rape ȝow to worche.
- a1425(c1333-52) Minot Poems (Glb E.9)27/7 : Mend ȝow sone of ȝowre misdede.
- (c1449) Pecock Repr.(Cmb Kk.4.26)6 : Ȝe trowen ȝou forto haue euerlasting lijf in hem.
- ?c1475 *Trev.Nicod.(Sal 39)132b : Aueys ȝou and byse ȝow.
- a1500 Nicod.(4) (Hrl 149)124 : Put you to confessyoun.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)11257 : Wrath ȝow not, wheghis.
b
- c1225(?c1200) St.Kath.(1) (Bod 34)20/125 : Ne þuncheð…inoh to forleosen ow þus i þulli misbileaue.
- c1330(c1250) Floris (Auch)522 : Ne doute ȝou nammore wiȝalle.
- c1400(?c1380) Cleanness (Nero A.10)352 : Stekez yow þerinne.
- c1475(?c1425) Avow.Arth.(Tay 9)1102 : Hie ȝo heþin away.
4b.
As reflexive with referent of indefinite number;—addressing an unspecified readership or audience; used as direct obj. or obj. of prep.: yourselves; also used in dat. construction: for yourselves [1st quot.].
Associated quotations
- c1175(?OE) Bod.Hom.(Bod 343)128/21 : Earniæþ eow þæt heofenlice rice.
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)943 : Bliþeliȝ Ȝuw turrnenn till hiss lare.
- a1200 Trin.Hom.Creed (Trin-C B.14.52)17 : Wasseð geu and wunieð clene.
- c1390 Treat.Mass (Vrn)9 : Holdeþ ow stille as ston.
- a1425 Ben.Rule(1) (Lnsd 378)8/33 : Yef ye finde ani gode in yu, till god sal þe louing be.
- a1500(c1477) Norton OAlch.(Add 10302)345 : Avise yow and be wise Of theym which profre such seruyce.
4c.
As reflexive with singular referent: thyself, yourself [some exx. could also be construed as sense 6c.]; avisen (douten, dreden, hasten, etc.) ~: (a) addressed to a ruler;
(b) addressed to one’s parent or social superior, or to someone of moral or spiritual authority;
(c) addressed to Mary;
(d) addressed to one’s husband or (male) lover or suitor;
(e) addressed to one’s wife;
(f) addressed to an equal or a stranger;
(g) addressed to an inferior.
Associated quotations
a
- a1325(?c1300) NPass.(Cmb Gg.1.1)1811 : Sire Pilate, vndir stonde yow.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)1.1176 : Syr…A-vise ȝow.
- c1440(a1400) Awntyrs Arth.(Thrn)100 : At this gaste…greue ȝowe no more.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)1186/6,8 : My lorde and kynge, dresse you unto the warre, for…I woll be revenged…and therefore…now haste you thereto.
- a1475 Sidrak & B.(Lnsd 793)95 : Sire…greue ȝou noþing.
b
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.ML.(Manly-Rickert)B.37 : Sire man of lawe…Acquiteth yow nowe of youre biheste.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Pars.(Manly-Rickert)I.72 : Hasteth yow, the sonne wole adoun.
- a1400(a1325) Cursor (Vsp A.3)5274 : Ne minnes yow noght…Of a drem?
c
- c1450(c1370) Chaucer ABC (Benson-Robinson)43 (2nd occurrence) : I flee for socour…Biseeching yow that ye you not absente.
d
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1567 : Misdrede ȝow never.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.1214 : Drede yow noght to been a cokewold.
- c1400(?c1375) NHom.(3) Cec.(Tbr E.7)62 : Gude syr, luke ȝe ȝow noght greue!
- a1450(c1410) Lovel.Grail (Corp-C 80)36.270 : Ȝe dressen ȝow ful Mete.
e
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)470 : Dere dame, to-day demay yow neuer.
- 1485(a1470) Malory Wks.(Caxton:Vinaver)10/18 : Desmaye you not…but telle me the trouthe, and I shall love you the better.
f
- c1450 Ponthus (Dgb 185)49/23-4 : Ye wold not yelde you to me, bot ye shall yelde you to the fairest lady of Bretan.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)1047/16 : Fayre sir…ye muste remembir you what ye ar…the moste nobelyst knyght of the worlde.
g
- a1500(c1450) Let.Marg.Anjou in Camd.86 (Add 46846)124 : Demene you in suche wise that no thing be attempted.
5a.
In impers. constructions with plural referent: as direct or indirect obj. of impers. verb or verb phrase: you; to you, for you: (a) addressed to more than one person; also, in combination with noun or adj.: wo ~; bettre ~;
(b) addressed to an individual regarded as representing a group.
Associated quotations
a
- c1175(?OE) Bod.Hom.(Bod 343)34/9 : Forȝife ȝe, and eow bið forȝifen.
- a1225(?OE) Lamb.Hom.(Lamb 487)35 : Betere eow is þet eow sceamie biforen þam preoste.
- a1225(c1200) Vices & V.(1) (Stw 34)79/21 (1st occurrence) : Wa ȝeu ðe healdeð ȝeu seluen for wise!
- c1225(?c1200) St.Kath.(1) (Roy 17.A.27)17/126 : Ow þuncheð þet ha schulden leasten aa.
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)497 : Ȝif hit eow bi-loueð, þe wise beoð on þonke, fare we from þisse londe.
- ?a1300 Jacob & J.(Bod 652)342 : Sones…Betere ȝou is to swinke & erne ȝoure mete.
- c1300 Lay.Brut (Otho C.13)13247 : Betere wou [Clg: inc] were at Rome.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)384 : Lusteneþ herto ȝif ȝou lef þinkes.
- (c1387-95) Chaucer CT.Prol.(Manly-Rickert)A.777 : Lordynges…if yow liketh…For to stonden at my iuggement, [etc.].
- c1475(?c1425) Avow.Arth.(Tay 9)106 : Ȝaw þar such him no mare.
- a1500(1413) *Pilgr.Soul (Eg 615)4.5.59a : Say what you semeth.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)7599 : As you list, of þat lord wirke.
b
- c1225(?c1200) St.Kath.(1) (Bod 34)20/125 : Ne þuncheð ow nawt inoh.
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)1459 : Ȝe mow…do us to wite what answere ȝou likes.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Fri.(Manly-Rickert)D.1463 : We kan…make yow seme we ben shape…lyk a man or lyk an ape.
- (a1402) Trev.Dial.MC (Hrl 1900)22/12 : Hit likeþ ȝou nouȝt to here þese wordes.
- a1425(c1333-52) Minot Poems (Glb E.9)18/23 : No bowes now thar ȝow bende.
- c1475(?c1425) Avow.Arth.(Tay 9)1091 : Ȝo behoues ȝild vppe þis stid.
5b.
In impers. constructions with referent of indefinite number: as obj. of impers. verb or in combination with noun; wo ~.
Associated quotations
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)10934 : Nohht ne birrþ ȝuw lefenn…þatt tatt cullfre Wass Haliȝ Gast.
- a1225(c1200) Vices & V.(1) (Stw 34)81/4 : Wa ȝeu ðe beplaitið ȝeuer emcristen.
- ?a1425(c1400) Mandev.(1) (Tit C.16)105/34 : Ȝif ȝou lyke to knowe the vertues of þe dyamand…I schall telle ȝou.
- ?a1425(c1400) Mandev.(1) (Tit C.16)209/31 : Ȝee schull vndirstonde ȝif it lyke ȝou þat…I cam to Rome.
- c1430(c1386) Chaucer LGW (Benson-Robinson)1098 : What nedeth yow the feste to descrive?
5c.
In impers. constructions with singular referent: as direct or indirect obj. of impers. verb or verb phrase: thee, you; also, to thee, to you: (a) addressed to a ruler;
(b) addressed to one’s social superior, parent, or elder, or to someone of moral or spiritual authority;
(c) addressed to God;
(d) addressed to one’s husband;
(e) addressed to a lady;
(f) addressed to a person from whom one is requesting something;
(g) addressed to an equal or a stranger;
(h) addressed to an inferior or a subordinate.
Associated quotations
a
- (1411) RParl.3.650b : My Lord…if yow had lyked, ye myght have comyn.
- a1450 Yk.Pl.(Add 35290:Beadle)99/369 : Fadir, as you [Toulmin Smith: þou] likes my lyffe to spende, I sall assente vnto the same.
- (?1475) Papers Cely in Camd.ser.3.1 ()1 : Sir, lyke it you to wytt that…John Dalton and I hadd certeyn communicacion for your horse.
- a1500(?a1450) GRom.(Glo 42)724/3 : My lord, displece yow not yf I schewe my narende vn-to yow.
b
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Pars.(Manly-Rickert)I.69 : Sey what yow list and we wol gladly heere.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Fkl.(Manly-Rickert)F.1215 : Sire…whan it liketh yow, It is al redy.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)814 : Ȝe be, wyȝe, welcum to won quyle yow lykez.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)3.939 : Em…doth herof as yow list.
- (1451) Paston2.66 : And it pleasyd you to send my mastres word…jt shuld be gret comfort.
c
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)357/70 : O hye wysdam…it lyst you of me sympilest to take here humanite.
d
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Cl.(Manly-Rickert)E.653 : Dooth with youre owene thyng Right as yow list.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.WB.(Manly-Rickert)D.1235 : As yow liketh, it suffiseth me.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)31/296 : Syr…To fle it avalis you.
e
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)1302 : Worþe as yow lykez.
f
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Fri.(Manly-Rickert)D.1399 : Of thyn aqueyntance I wolde praye thee And eek of bretherhede if that yow [vrr. thow, the, yee] leste.
g
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Sh.(Manly-Rickert)B.1474 : My gold is youres whan that it yow leste.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)835 : Ȝe are welcum to welde as yow lykez.
- c1400(?c1390) Gawain (Nero A.10)2366 : Here yow lakked a lyttel, sir, & lewte yow wonted.
- c1450 Pilgr.LM (Cmb Ff.5.30)25 : Whennes cometh it yow to do thus?
- (1475) Stonor1.158 : Ryght…worchypfull broder…yf hyt woll lyke you to here…whe where…mery.
h
- (c1449) Paston (EETS)1.54 : Plese yow to comen with him of þis mater.
6a.
As subj. with plural referent: ye, you: (a) addressed to more than one person;
(b) addressed to an individual regarded as representing more than one person.
Associated quotations
a
- a1400 Cursor (Göt Theol 107)23160 : Ȝe maledight! vnto mi blis haf ȝue [Vsp: yee] na right.
- a1500(a1400) Ipom.(1) (Chet 8009)1808 : Ye shew your lady lyttille love That you so herttly preysse.
- ?a1525(?a1475) Play Sacr.(Dub 652)76 : Hertely welcum shall yow bene.
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)11274 : Ne ȝow sechis no socour.
b
- a1325(c1250) Gen.& Ex.(Corp-C 444)359,365 : Quo seide ðe dat gu wer naked?…In swinc ðu salt tilen ði mete…Til gu beas eft in-to erðe cumen.
6b.
As subj. with referent of indefinite number;—addressed to an unspecified readership or audience [some exx. may be errors for thou pron., or perh. ye pron.].
Associated quotations
- ?1316 SMChron.(Roy 12.C.12)333 : At Stonhenges, wite ou [vr. ȝe] wel, Ther he hit made everuch del.
- a1400(c1303) Mannyng HS (Hrl 1701)351 : Þou hast synned…Ȝyf you yn…bacyn, Any chylde madyst loke þeryn.
- a1400(c1303) Mannyng HS (Hrl 1701)3015 : Ȝyf ȝou speke foule wrdys…Þou synnest.
- ?a1425 Chauliac(3) (Htrn 95)49/20 : Ȝiff ȝou wilte make þine anothomye wele…it is nedfulle þat þou kitte þe breste ende longe þe sides.
- a1500 Bod.EMisc.Lapid.(BodEMisc e.558)23/12 : Wete yoe well that god made gretter tresour of stoonys.
6c.
As subj. with singular referent: thou, you [some exx. may be errors for thou pron.]: (a) addressed to a ruler;
(b) addressed to a superior;
(c) addressed to God, Christ, or Mary;
(d) addressed to one’s wife;
(e) addressed to an equal or a stranger; also, addressed to an inanimate object;
(f) addressed to an inferior.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Cl.(Manly-Rickert)E.106 : Lord, so wel vs liketh yow And al youre werk, and euere han doon, that we Ne kouden nat vs self deuysen how We myghte lyuen in moore felicitee.
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)611/5 : Wete you wel, my lord the kynge, that this yonge squyer is broder to me.
- (?1475) Papers Cely in Camd.ser.3.1 ()1 : Sir…you shall have my service.
- a1500 GRom.(Glo 42)745/25 : Now haue yow herde my resounes.
b
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)797/7 : Wyte you well, sir knyght.
- a1500(a1400) Libeaus (Lamb 306)1563 : Syr knyght…To whiche lond that yowe [Clg: þow] wende…For kowarde thou worthe knowe.
c
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)667 : Of all women blyssede be yhow.
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)866 : Lorde god…yow my doyng knawes ylke dele.
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)2380 : Ȝow erte xij ȝere ald.
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)2828 : In gods name comen es yow, Gods son.
d
- c1460 Dub.Abraham (Dub 432)327 : Wif…how trowe you, telle me verylye?
e
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)1519 : He sayd þe tre, ‘yow make þe boun.’
- (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)474/3 : Ye, sir, wete you well there ys a muche bettir knyght.
- (1477) Paston (EETS)1.502 : Yow neede nott to praye me to doo þat myght be to yowre profyght.
- a1500(?a1450) GRom.(Glo 42)727/24 : Telle me þe Cavse why þat yow gyfes me þis balle.
- a1500 I shall you tell a full (BodPoet e.1)p.91 : Good gossipe myn…Can yow ought tell full wele?
f
- c1330 SMChron.(Auch)210 : Is it soþ you tel it me?
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)511 : On þe autre þu þam lay, Als þare offrand yow lay þam þare.
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)1923 : Hau ȝow no drede.
7.
In misc. uses: (a) in expressions tantamount to a reciprocal pron.: ~ (…) bitwene, ~ togeder, one another, each other;
(b) in a construction in which nom. and acc. forms normally alternate; as…as ~;
(c) as vocative;—with singular referent, addressed to Mary or a parent.
Associated quotations
a
- c1175(?OE) Bod.Hom.(Bod 343)84/14 : Ne beo ȝe na attre…terende eow bitweonen & teone wyrcende.
- c1175 Orm.(Jun 1)5273 : Þatt iss min bodeword, tatt ȝe Ȝuw lufenn swa bitwenenn Rihht alls icc hafe lufedd ȝuw.
- ?a1475(a1396) *Hilton SP (Hrl 6579)1.51.35a : Þis is Mi biddynge, þat ȝe lufe ȝow to gedre.
b
- a1500(c1410) Dives & P.(Htrn 270)1.52 : Leue sere…God myghte a mad me as ryche as ȝow.
c
- c1400 St.Anne(1) (Min-U Z.822.N.81)3026 : Yow dame, whays child es þis?
- c1500 Melusine (Roy 18.B.2)182/28 : My lord and you my lady, yf ye vouchsaf it were tyme that we went thrugh the world at our auenture, [etc.].
8.
Error for your pron.
Associated quotations
- a1400 Dice(2) (Boston 100)p.21 : Synnes and cater at you has cast Schewes at you [vrr. ȝowr, thyn] hert [is] noght stedfast.
- c1450 ?C.d'Orl.Poems (Hrl 682)22/656 : Y ioy…In yow swet company.
- a1500(?a1450) GRom.(Glo 42)762/14 : Moche oþer folke…dyd…non’ homage to yow [Hrl: thi; vr. your] son’.