Middle English Dictionary Entry
chiche-vache n.
Entry Info
| Forms | chiche-vache n. Also chichi-, -vaǧe. |
| Etymology | OF Chiche Vache Lean Cow, a monster in a French fable; cp. also OF chi(n)che-face. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A lean monster who is said to feed on virtuous women.
Associated quotations
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Cl.(Manly-Rickert)E.1188 : O noble wyues..lat no clerk..write of yow a storie..As of Grisildis pacient and kynde, Lest Chichiuache yow swelwe in hir entraille!
- a1456(a1449) Lydg.BC (Trin-C R.3.20)18 : Chichevache eteþe wymmen goode.
- a1456(a1449) Lydg.BC (Trin-C R.3.20)25 : I am Bycorne..And in maryage bonde and sworne To Chichevage as hir husbande.