Middle English Dictionary Entry

clī̆mben v.
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Entry Info

Forms clī̆mben v. Also clemme, clim(me, klimbe, glimbe, ? clomme. Forms (unless vowel quantity is marked, assume that the root vowel could be long or short): inf. climben, clemben, climen, clemen; p. clamb, clomb, clemb, clam, climbed, climed, clĕmde; pl. clǒumben, clŭmben, clamben, clomben, climbe, clame, clomen, clim, climbit, clĕmde(n; ppl. clǒumbe(n, i)clŭmben, i)clombe(n, climben, clome, icleĕmde.
Etymology OE climban; clamb, clomb; clumbon; clumben.

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
(a) To climb; (b) to ascend (sth.), get over (sth.), climb (stairs, a hill, a wall, etc.); -- also refl.; (c) ~ adoun, ~ doun, ~ up.
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2.
(a) To rise, fly upward, be borne aloft, be carried up (on Fortune's wheel); of water: rise; (b) of the sun, moon, stars: to rise; of day: spread up from the horizon; (c) of steps: to slope upward, rise.
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3.
(a) To rise spiritually; approach God in prayer; climb (up to heaven), etc.; (b) to advance (in rank, wealth, power, etc.); of fame: spread (over a barrier); (c) to get the upper hand, triumph; overcome (sb.); (d) to aspire, be presumptuous; (e) in proverbs: climb not to hegh, etc., do not be too ambitious; ~ on helle crok, ?be impaled on a hook in hell; ~ to God on a short tre, be hanged; ?clim clam, etc. [see cat].
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