Middle English Dictionary Entry

cǒmforten v.
Quotations: Show all Hide all

Entry Info

Forms cǒmforten v. Also cum-, coum-, con-, coun-, comforti, comforden. Ppl. cǒmforted, cǒmfort, cǒmford.
Etymology OF & L

Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)

1.
To strengthen (sb.) spiritually, inspire with fortitude or courage; ~ herte; also, assure, reassure (sb.).
Show 21 Quotations
2.
(a) To encourage, urge, or exhort (sb. to do sth.), spur on; (b) to incite (sb. to do wrong, etc.); give encouragement to (sinful conduct, treason, etc.), abet.
Show 15 Quotations
3.
(a) To refresh (sb. with food or drink); refl. refresh oneself; (b) ben comforted, to revive, come to.
Show 9 Quotations
4.
(a) To cheer (sb.) up, console; ~ chere; ~ from (of) care; ben comforted, be pleased or relieved; (b) to console (oneself), cheer up.
Show 36 Quotations
5.
(a) To minister to or succor (sb.); ~ with catel; comforted in richesses, live in comfort; (b) to aid or support (sb.).
Show 10 Quotations
6.
To entertain or amuse (sb.); please (sb.).
Show 8 Quotations
7.
(a) To strengthen (the body, hope); (b) to alleviate or relieve (illness, grief, distress); also, ~ to; (c) to induce (insanity).
Show 11 Quotations
8.
Med. (a) To strengthen, invigorate, or revive (a part of the body, the functioning of an organ, etc.); (b) to strengthen (a person).
Show 14 Quotations
9.
Misc. Latinate uses: (a) ben comforted, to be strong or powerful; (b) astrol. of a planet: to enhance influence; (c) to fasten (sth.) firmly; (d) to conform (to sth.).
Show 7 Quotations

Supplemental Materials (draft)

  • c1400 Life Soul (LdMisc 210)20/15 : Wryte to me opunliche þe techyng of Crist þat I mowe ben iheled þerby of the sekenes of my soule, and þat I mowe ben icounforted þerby whyles I am in prysoun of þis world.
    • Note: New form: Ppl. icounforted.
    Note: Quot. belongs to sense 1.(a).
Note: The list of variant spellings in the form section is incomplete and needs revision to accord with standards of later volumes of the MED.--notes per MLL

©2025 Regents of the University of Michigan. For details about this collection's copyright see the MEC copyright statement and the U-M Library Copyright Policy. Data last refreshed Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 12:18:00.