Middle English Dictionary Entry
conclāve n.
Entry Info
| Forms | conclāve n. |
| Etymology | L |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A private chamber or retreat; also fig. of the Virgin's womb; ded ~, death chamber, tomb; (b) eccl. the private apartment in which the election of the Pope takes place; also, a meeting held for this purpose.
Associated quotations
a
- c1450 Capgr.Rome (Bod 423)71 : In þat conclaue at Nazareth wher gabriel told our lady þoo first heuenely tydyngis.
- (1451) Capgr.St.Gilb.(Add 36704)83/11 : Þer schuld hide hem in her tabernacle..or in her conclaue, as ded Our Lady.
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)13/419 : Pylat sendyth iiij knytys..to kepe þe blody body in his dede conclaue.
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)97/483 : Whan I [Mary] sytt in my conclaue, all myn hert on þe I haue.
- a1500 That was Ihu (Trin-C R.4.20)10 : She is the chief of chastyte, the conclaue and the clostre clene.
b
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)2.2812 : The Cardinals, that wolden save The forme of lawe, in the conclave Gon forto chese a newe Pope.
- c1450 Capgr.Rome (Bod 423)26 : Minerues temple..is now turned in to a cherch..in whech stant a conclaue þere many a pope hath be chosen.
- (a1464) Capgr.Chron.(Cmb Gg.4.12)317 : That of every nacion schuld be chosen sex prelatis, whech schuld be in the Conclave with the cardinales, and have voys in the same eleccion.