Middle English Dictionary Entry
captī̆f n. & adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | captī̆f n. & adj. |
| Etymology | Cp. L captīvus & OF chaitif. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A captive or prisoner; (b) imprisoned, enslaved; also fig.
Associated quotations
a
- c1430 Chaucer TC (Cmb Gg.4.27)3.382 : In wrechedenesse, in felthe, & in vermyne, Captyf [vr. Caytif] to crewel kyng agamenoun.
- c1440(?a1400) Morte Arth.(1) (Thrn)1580,1589 : It comes to no kynge..To comon with his captifis..Þay conuaye this captyfe with clene men of armez, And kend hym to þe constable.
b
- ?a1475(?a1425) Higd.(2) (Hrl 2261)2.291 : From whiche victory of Abraham, somme men say the yere of Iubile to haue taken originalle, for that remission of captif men [Trev.: prisoneres].
- a1500 Imit.Chr.(Dub 678)100/27 : Þou shalt not be captiue ner suget to þe erþely þinges.