Middle English Dictionary Entry
brō n.(1)
Entry Info
| Forms | brō n.(1) Also (N) brā. |
| Etymology | Cp. OI brā eyelash; for ME meaning cp. brǒue 'eyebrow, brow (of a hill)' & 'eyelid'. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The bank (of a stream); the brink or raised edge (of a ditch or pit); (b) in names.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1400(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.2 (Petyt 511)p.187 : Saladyn did stoppe þe dikes kank [read: bank] & bro, þat non suld ouer hoppe.
- ?a1400(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.2 (Petyt 511)p.310 : Þe rayne bigan & flowand bank & bro.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)4809 : A dreȝe dale..With all þe bothom full of bournes briȝt as þe siluire, And bery-bobis on þe braes brethand as mirre.
- c1450 Alph.Tales (Add 25719)295/11 : His sawle was broght vnto þe prince of Hell syttand opon þe pytt bra.
- ?c1450 St.Cuth.(Eg 3309)4981 : Nane of þair bodys on bra ne banke Was neuir aftir sene.
- 1483 Cath.Angl.(Monson 168)39 : Bra: ripa.
b
- (1273) Pat.R.Edw.I14 : John de la Bro.
- (1319) Pat.R.Edw.II465 : Richard atte Bro.