Middle English Dictionary Entry
cō̆stful adj.(2)
Entry Info
| Forms | cō̆stful adj.(2) Also costvolle. |
| Etymology | From cō̆st n.(2). |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Costly, expensive; rich, sumptuous; (b) fig. costly of effort or involving loss.
Associated quotations
a
- (1340) Ayenb.(Arun 57)229/6 : Hi ham cloþeþ..mid uayre robes and costuolle [Vices & V.(2): riche; F precieuses].
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)4.6915 : Þe riche toumbe, costful and royal.
- (?a1439) Lydg.FP (Bod 263)7.1280 : His costful foode was vertuous abstinence.
- (c1450) Capgr.St.Aug.(Add 36704)46/20 : His cloþis..wer not ouyr costful, ne ouyr wrecched.
- c1450 Capgr.Rome (Bod 423)48 : Þe paleys..was ful costful werk of metall ad of stones.
- a1500 Henley Husb.(Sln 686)46 : Þe ploughe off hors is more costfull þen is þe ploughe off oxon.
b
- c1450(c1405) Mum & S.(2) (Add 41666)1500 : There is a writte..is a courssid couraige and coste-ful bothe.
- c1450 Capgr.St.Kath.(Arun 396)5.1394 : This is the ende of al this costful werke.