Middle English Dictionary Entry
zēler n.
Entry Info
| Forms | zēler n. Also (error) yelar. |
| Etymology | From zēl(e n. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. zelatour n.
1.
One whose actions are informed by deeply felt emotions;—sometimes used of God.
Associated quotations
- ?a1450 Sel.Rosarium Theol.(Cai 354/581)103/23 : Gode zele is somtyme ytake for spousale luffyng…And so God, þat is þe spouse of holy chirche, is a strong zeler.
- ?a1450 Sel.Rosarium Theol.(Cai 354/581)103/23 : God is a stronge zeler, vengyng into þe 3. & þe 4. generacion.
- a1475 Imit.Chr.(Cmb Gg.1.16)36/25 : Yelar [L aemulator; Dub: a diligent louer shal be more miȝty to profite, þouȝ he haue mo passions, þan he þat is wel manerd, beyng lasse fervent to vertues].