Middle English Dictionary Entry
agāme adv.
Entry Info
| Forms | agāme adv. |
| Etymology | From on phrase. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) In jest, jestingly; playfully, lightly; (b) on ernest and ~, in earnest and in jest, under all circumstances, in every way.
Associated quotations
a
- c1300 SLeg.Magd.(2) (LdMisc 108)316 : Þo seide þe prince leiȝinde to is wif a-game [etc.].
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)3.636 : For, by my trouthe -- I sey it nought a-game -- To wende as nou, it were to me a shame.
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)3.648 : I am right glad with yow to dwellen here: I seyde but a-game, I wolde go.
- c1450(c1385) Chaucer Mars (Benson-Robinson)277 : Ye oghte have som compassioun Of my disese, and take hit not a-game.
b
- ?c1335 Sith Gabriell gan (Hrl 913)p.163 : Sire Pers þe Brimingham, On ernist and agam Þis dai was in is þoȝt.
- c1330(?c1300) Reinbrun (Auch)p.671 : Now þow wost whar ich was bore..An erneste and agame.