Middle English Dictionary Entry

brẹ̄ven v.
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Entry Info

Forms brẹ̄ven v. Also brefe, bryve.
Etymology OE gebrēfan state briefly & OI brēfa write down (from ML breviāre).

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

Note: Cp. bref.
1.
(a) To commit (sth.) to writing, write down; breved in boke, recorded or recounted in writing; (b) to give a (written) account (of sth., sb.); (c) to extol (sb.).
Show 11 Quotations
2.
To put (sth.) on record, enter of record.
Show 4 Quotations
3.
(a) To report or tell (sth.); of a hunting dog: announce (the presence of game); (b) to give (sb. a name).
Show 8 Quotations
4.
(a) To make a written agreement; (b) ?to summon (sb.).
Show 5 Quotations
5.
(a) To charge (sb.) with a duty; ben breved, hold office; (b) to lay claim to (sth.).
Show 3 Quotations
6.
To abbreviate (a story), make short; to breve, to put it briefly.
Show 3 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • (a1470) Malory Wks.(Win-C)341/26 : To com off and to breff this tale: Whan she [Dame Lyonesse] com to kynge Arthure [etc.].
    • Note: Additional quot. for sense 6..
Note: The list of variant spellings in the form section is incomplete and needs revision to accord with standards of later volumes of the MED.--notes per MLL

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