Middle English Dictionary Entry
brim n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | brim n.(1) |
| Etymology | OE brim surf, sea; also ON, cp. OI brim; in ME the word is chiefly Northern. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A body of water, such as the sea, a pool, spring, river.
Associated quotations
- ?c1335(a1300) Cokaygne (Hrl 913)157 : Þe ȝung nunnes..lepiþ dune in to þe brimme, And doþ ham sleilich forto swimme.
- a1425(c1333-52) Minot Poems (Glb E.9)16/57 : To wade war þo wretches casten in þe brim.
- a1425(?c1375) NHom.(3) Leg.(Hrl 4196)110/215 : Saint Laurence..Toke clere water of þe brim..and baptist him.
- a1425(?c1375) NHom.(3) Leg.(Hrl 4196)129/108 : A water was þam twa bytwene..þe cristend man suld mete him In middes þe brig, was ouer þe brim.
- c1450(?a1400) Parl.3 Ages (Add 31042)7 : Als I habade one a banke be a bryme syde.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4080 : Till he come..on a brym, was welland hate; And on þe ferre halfe of þe bourne was wemen on hors.
- c1450 NPass.(Add 31042)165/588* : The watir was halowed..angelle in that bryme Bothe bathe hym and swyme.