Middle English Dictionary Entry
cǒmpẹ̄r n.
Entry Info
| Forms | cǒmpẹ̄r n. Also cumper. |
| Etymology | OF |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
Note: Cp. compair & per.
1.
(a) An equal (as to rank or prowess); (b) a companion, an intimate friend; a mate, playmate; (c) the counterpart or mate (of a limb).
Associated quotations
a
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)89 : Compere, falawe: Compar, coequalis.
- c1450(?a1400) Wars Alex.(Ashm 44)3396 : Þe kyng with-outen compere of kyngis all othire.
- 1543(1464) Hardyng Chron.B (Grafton)p.347 : Ther was greate pride emong thofficers, And of all menne farpassyng their compeers.
b
- a1375(1335-1361) WPal.(KC 13)370 : He so grette alle of his compers þat he knew so curteysliche & faire.
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.Co.(Manly-Rickert)A.4419 : A compeer of his owene sort, That loued dys and reuel and disport.
- a1425(a1382) WBible(1) (Corp-O 4)Judg.11.38 : Whanne she was goon with felawis and hir compeers [WB(2): pleiferis; L cum sociis ac sodalibus] she wepte hyr maydenhod in the hillis.
- c1425(c1400) Ld.Troy (LdMisc 595)15373 : Paris thanne & his comperes Come walkyng out of here soleres.
- (c1426) Audelay Poems (Dc 302)113/65 : Bynd spouse-brekers with awouters..And cursid leuers with here cumpers, And cast ham in þe fuyre.
- c1460(?c1400) Beryn (Nthld 55)145 : The knyȝte went with his compers toward þe holy shryne.
- c1485(?a1400) Child Bristow (Hrl 2382)104 : Then he sent for knyghtes & squyers, Whiche were his comperys.
c
- ?a1425 *Chauliac(1) (NY 12)104b/b : Perfeytnez of reducyng [of dislocation of the thigh] is shewed bi þe lengþ of his hole compere [L comparis].