Middle English Dictionary Entry
cōherciǒun n.
Entry Info
| Forms | cōherciǒun n. Also cohercion, coercioun, coarcion. |
| Etymology | OF coertion (AN cohercion). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The exercise of force; compulsion, coercion; (b) the right or power to enforce compliance.
Associated quotations
a
- (1414) RParl.4.58b : The freest Knyght or Squyer of the Rewme..may be put in prison by swych cohercion.
- ?1435 Lond.Chron.Jul.(Jul B.2)55 : We were compelled to sewe the same Apele..that suyte was done By Cohercion.
- (1436) RParl.4.498a : Whiche Weddyng by cohercion so done, ye said William..fleshly knewe and ravysshed ye said Isabell.
- (1459)Oath York in RParl.5.347a : This that I here have promitted and sworn procedeth of myne owne desire and fre volunte, and by noo constraynt or cohercion.
- (1467) Doc.in HMC Rep.5 App.524b : Johan Adam..confesseid opynly, without ony cearcion [read: coarcion].
- (1472) Let.Sou.in Sou.RS 22 (Sou SC.2/9/2)28 : The saide sumes so paied..by coercioun and compulsioun.
- c1475(?c1451) Worcester Bk.Noblesse (Roy 18.B.22:N&W)69/2188 : Youre saide obeisauntes .. haue turned theire hertis frome vs, breking theire alligeaunce by manere of cohercion for suche rapyn, oppressions and extorcions.
b
- (?c1450) E.Black Monks in RHS ser.3.54111 : That ye by al maner lawful sanxions and canonial cohercions compelle al the notable abbotis..to apere and assiste you.
- a1475 Godstow Reg.(Rwl B.408)88/17 : To the which payment and couenaunte..Iohn and Robert bounde them-self..to the distreynyng and cohercion of the seid Abbesse and Couente and of all Iuges bothe seculer and of the chirch.