Middle English Dictionary Entry
bǒule n.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | bǒule n.(2) Also bule. |
| Etymology | OF boule ball; L bola. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A sphere; (b) a bowling ball; pleien at the boule(s, to bowl; (c) a throw or cast (?in bowling).
Associated quotations
a
- a1500(1413) *Pilgr.Soul (Eg 615)5.26.103a : Ther is no bodely forme so parfight as is a round body, like to a sper or a rounde bowle..God made this grete worlde in his hool substaunce rounde as a bowle.
b
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)46 : Bowlyn, or pley wythe bowlys: Bolo.
- a1450(1412) Hoccl.RP (Hrl 4866)651 : No more I hadde set þerby..A wif or mayde or nune to deffoule, Than scheete or pleyen at þe bal or boule.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)1929 : It aȝe noȝt slik ane Asald nane abletus to off werres, Bot at þe bowlis [Dub: bulez] as a brode or with a ball playe.
- a1475(?a1430) Lydg.Pilgr.(Vit C.13)11190 : I wyl nat spare To hunte for hert..And somtyme pleyen at the bowlys.
c
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)46 : Bowle: Bolus.