Browse dictionary
Showing 1-20 of 48 results in 48 entries
1. chalk-line, n. View full entry a1450
...(Of uncertain meaning.)...
2. Charybdis, n. View full entry c1400
...A dangerous whirlpool on the coast of Sicily (now Calofaro), opposite the Italian rock Scylla. Used allusively of anything likely to cause shipwreck of life, etc., and esp. in combination...
3. Christ-cross | criss-cross, n. View full entry c1430
...The figure of a cross (✠) formerly placed in front of the alphabet in horn-books, etc. Obs....
4. Circe, n. View full entry c1405
...In Greek and Latin mythology the name of an enchantress who dwelt in the island of Aea, and transformed all who drank of her cup into swine; often used allusively....
5. ˈcross-way, n. View full entry c1450
...A way or road crossing another, or leading across from one main road to another; a by-way....
6. custard, n. View full entry c1450
...Formerly, a kind of open pie containing pieces of meat or fruit covered with a preparation of broth or milk, thickened with eggs, sweetened, and seasoned with spices, etc. = crustade...
7. England, n. View full entry a1475
...The inhabitants of England (sometimes also Britain) regarded collectively. Also: England personified or regarded allusively, esp. as a political entity; (with modifying word) a section of the inhabitants of England...
8. ferry, n.1 View full entry c1425
...A passage or crossing. Obs....
9. gull, n.1 View full entry c1430
...Any long-winged, web-footed bird of the family Laridæ and sub-family Larinæ, which contains several genera, Larus being the largest. In popular use the name is of...
10. Judas, n. View full entry c1400
...The name of the disciple who betrayed Jesus Christ; hence allusively (cf. Iscariot): One who treacherously betrays under the semblance of friendship; a traitor or betrayer of the worst kind....
11. lesser, adj. and adv. View full entry 1459
...= less Chiefly, and now only, used attrib....
12. † ˈlick-dish, n. View full entry c1440
...A parasite....
13. love-knot, n. View full entry c1400
...fig. and in allusive use. Something that constitutes or maintains a union based on love; a tie or bond of love. Also: an intricate pattern or layout resembling a love-knot (in...
14. manchet, n. View full entry a1450
...Wheaten bread of the finest quality; = pandemain Now rare....
15. month's mind, n. View full entry 1466-7
...Chiefly R.C. Church. The commemoration of a deceased person by the celebration of a requiem mass, prayers, etc., on a day one month from the date of the death or...
16. moonshine, n. and adj. View full entry c1425
...= moonlight1a. Now chiefly poet. and Caribbean....
17. mounting, n. View full entry 1440
...The action of ascending (lit. and fig.); the action of climbing on to something, spec. the action of climbing on to a mate for copulation. Also:...
18. oracle, n. View full entry c1425
...In ancient Greece and Rome: the instrument, agency, or medium (usually a priest or a priestess) through which the gods were supposed to speak or prophesy; the mouthpiece of the gods. Also:...
19. paraclete, n. View full entry c1429
...Christian Church. In form Paraclete. As a title given to the Holy Spirit (or occas. Christ): an advocate, intercessor; a helper or comforter....
20. Parthian, n. and adj. View full entry c1400
...A native or inhabitant of Parthia, a region of the Achaemenian empire and later a kingdom in what is now Iran....
