Middle English Dictionary Entry

brain n.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms brain n. Also (early) braȝen, brein, brane.
Etymology OE brægen, ~ panne, ~ sēoc.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
The brain as an organ: (a) general uses; braines turninge, vertigo, dizziness; (b) technical uses. [Contemporary conceptions of the structure and the functions of the brain are illustrated in the quots.]
Show 38 Quotations
2.
(a) Brain as a substance, brains; (b) marrow.
Show 19 Quotations
3.
brain panne, ~ skulle, the part of the skull that encloses the brain, cranium; esp., the crown of the head, skull.
Show 13 Quotations
4.
(a) The brain as the seat of the 'mind' (i.e. of thought, fancy, memory, judgement, common sense, etc.; often paired with 'blood' as the seat of the emotions); also, ?intelligence, common sense; (b) brain-sek, irrational, deranged; ~ wod, frenzied, raving, mad.
Show 22 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Med., etc., see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. brain.

Supplemental Materials (draft)

Note: Med., etc. (sense 2.(c)), see further J.Norri, Dictionary of Medical Vocabulary, s.v. brain pan.

©2025 Regents of the University of Michigan. For details about this collection's copyright see the MEC copyright statement and the U-M Library Copyright Policy. Data last refreshed Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 12:18:00.