Middle English Dictionary Entry
burdǒun n.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | burdǒun n.(2) Also bordoun. |
| Etymology | OF burdo(u)n. Flasdieck, Anglia 74.216 ff., convincingly takes ME fā-burdǒun as an English formation consisting of fā and burdoun (later Gallicized as faux-burdǒun). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
The low-pitched undersong accompanying the melody, burden; the bass (as distinguished from the mean and the treble); also, of snoring: accompaniment.
Associated quotations
- a1325(?c1300) Caiphas (Sln 2478)161 : Wyþ bordoun, hauteyn, menamonkes, lat me hure ȝou synge.
- (c1387-95) Chaucer CT.Prol.(Manly-Rickert)A.673 : Ful loude he soong 'com hider, loue, to me!' This somnour bar to hym a stif burdoun.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Rv.(Manly-Rickert)A.4165 : As an hors he fnorteth in his sleep..His wyf bar hym a burdon, a ful strong.
- c1425(c1400) Ld.Troy (LdMisc 595)6599 : I schal the teche for to chaunte, I schal the teche bothe burdoun and mene.
- a1450(a1338) Mannyng Chron.Pt.1 (Lamb 131)11263 : Þer myghte men se fair samninge Of þo clerkes þat best couþe synge, Wyþ treble, mene, & burdoun.
- 1451-1500 Tundale (Wagner)1892 : On tho cordes wer instrumentis sere Of musike..Thai gaf a delectabull sowne, Bothe trebull, and mene, and burdowne.