Middle English Dictionary Entry
affirmatī̆f, -ī̆ve adj. as n.
Entry Info
| Forms | affirmatī̆f, -ī̆ve adj. as n. |
| Etymology | L |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Phil. An affirmative proposition, a positive statement or inference; (b) the positive form or aspect of something; in affirmatives, in positive functions (as opposed to failure to function); wil in ~, the active will (as opposed to the absence of willing).
Associated quotations
a
- c1450(1410) Walton Boeth.(Lin-C 103)p.312 : And knowen þinges..he [the mind] devideþ be a negatyue And afterwardes be affirmatyue; Thise same thinges þat devided be Assembleþ and aȝeyn compowneþ he.
b
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)161a/a : None euacuacioun þat nature doþ in þe bigynnyng is to be praised, how mych more crafte þat oweþ to sewe nature wirkyng, neþerlez regulerly at leste in affirmatyuez, as seiþ Albertus.
- 1532-1897(c1385) Usk TL (Thynne:Skeat)138/40 : Wil in affirmatif with not willing by no way mowe acorde.
2.
Law An accuser, a plaintiff.
Associated quotations
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)2070 : They..vsid probate law, Wher..affirmatyff shuld preve his owne sawe.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)2605 : Þen were þey in the affirmatyff & wold preve anoon.