Middle English Dictionary Entry
chaumbre-dēken n.
Entry Info
| Forms | chaumbre-dēken n. Also chamber-. |
| Etymology | Cp. dēken deacon, etc. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A facetious term for a mendicant or dissolute student; (b) a valet.
Associated quotations
a
- (1413) RParl.in OHS 5814 : Ordeignez est..qe toutz Irrois et Clercs Irrois mendinauntz appellez Chaumberdeakyns soient voidez hors du Roialme.
- (1432) Statute Oxf.in RS 50.1320 : Quum pax hujus almae Universitatis frequenter turbari dignoscitur per diversos qui in forma Scholarium infra Universitatem et praecinctum ejusdem extra aulas ac sine Principalibus in locis deversis latent et expectant, qui nefando nomine Chamberdekenys nuncupantur, et per dies dormiunt ac in noctibus circa tabernas [et] lupanaria spolia homicidiaque vigilant.
b
- 1790(1471-1472) Ordin.Househ.Edw.IV(2) (Topham)38 : Eche of these usshers to have into this courte ii honest servaunts..and to leve byhynde them no chaumbre-dekons in courte, but suche as are appoynted by the countyng-house.
- 1790(1471-1472) Ordin.Househ.Edw.IV(2) (Topham)44 : Everyche of theym an honest servant to kepe theyre chambre and harneys, and to array hym in this courte whyles theyre maisters be present in courte, or elles to have here no chamber dekons.