Middle English Dictionary Entry
cǒmbre-wǒrld n.
Entry Info
| Forms | cǒmbre-wǒrld n. |
| Etymology | From the phrase *combren the world. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) One who causes trouble or misfortune to mankind; (b) one who is a burden to others or to himself.
Associated quotations
a
- (?1406) Hoccl.MR (Hnt HM 111)225 : Tho combreworldes clept been enchantours..By whom the peple is mis gyed & led.
- a1450(1412) Hoccl.RP (Hrl 4866)2091 : That combre-world þat þe, my maistir [i.e. Chaucer], slow, Wold I slayn were.
b
- a1425(c1385) Chaucer TC (Benson-Robinson)4.279 : I, combre-world, that may of nothyng serve, But evere dye and nevere fulli sterve.