Middle English Dictionary Entry
clēth n.
Entry Info
| Forms | clēth n. Also (early) clæd, clæþ(a. Pl. clēthes, clēse. |
| Etymology | OE clǣþ |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A piece of cloth; ~ of gold, a piece of gold brocade; (b) a towel; (c) a cloth used as a strainer; (d) a bandage or dressing.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1200(?OE) PDidax.(Hrl 6258b)13/22 : Þanne niman man ane clæþ and waxen þa eaȝan.
- a1500 Parton.(1) (Add 35288)4829 : Yet more gaffe he: Clethes of golde and of sylke gret plente.
b
- c1275(?a1200) Lay.Brut (Clg A.9)22878 : Elc þer feng water & clæd [Otho: cloþ] & seoððen adun seten.
c
- ?a1200(?OE) PDidax.(Hrl 6258b)11/27 : Wyng [read: wryng] þann þur linne clæþ.
d
- ?a1200(OE) Hrl.HApul.(Hrl 6258B:Berberich)113.89/3 : Nim þeos wyrt..& mid linnen clæþa ȝewyrþ to þan sare.
- ?a1200(?OE) PDidax.(Hrl 6258b)47/17 : Nim þann linnenne clæð and leȝe þa sealfe uppan.
2.
(a) An article of clothing, a garment; (b) coll. clothing; (c) upon clethes wise, in the matter of clothes, as far as clothing is concerned.
Associated quotations
a
- a1400 Cursor (Göt Theol 107)15025 : Sum þan kest þair clethes dune.
- a1400 Cursor (Göt Theol 107)16201 : A purprin cleth þai on him kest.
b
- a1500 St.Alex.(5) (Tit A.26)50/244 : Gywe me clethe and manys foode.
c
- c1540(?a1400) Destr.Troy (Htrn 388)774 : Than þai cladde hom clenly vppon clese wise.