Middle English Dictionary Entry
afō̆rce adv.
Entry Info
| Forms | afō̆rce adv. Also afforse. |
| Etymology | OF a force; cp. ME of force. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
By compulsion, of necessity; ~ fin, by sheer force, by main force.
Associated quotations
- c1380 Firumb.(1) (Ashm 33)972 : Þanne þay asayllede Scot Gwylmer & toke him a-force fyne.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)2118 : Shame it is to tell The penury þat I have I-had, þat a force sell I must nedis myne aray, wher me list or lothe.
- c1475(c1399) Mum & S.(1) (Cmb Ll.4.14)4.22 : Whanne þe reot and þe reeuell þe rent þus passid, And no þing y-lafte but þe bare baggis, Þan felle it afforse to fille hem aȝeyne.