Ekename (nickname), from the Swedish öknamn.
Nygun (niggard), from the Norse nyggja, to scrape.
Squyler (scullion), from the Norse skola, to wash.
Some words, which we have in common with other Teutons, are found for the first time; as plank and stumble; also midwife, which has been explained by Junius.[1]
There are a few remarkable changes in the meanings of English words.
Kind had hitherto meant natural, but in page 167 we read,
To serve hym (God) þat ys to us so kynde.
The two senses were alike used for nearly 400 years, as we see in Milton's works.
In page 161 we read, ‘he is to hym mynde,’ that is, inclined: mind was getting a new sense, used by us when we say, ‘I have a mind to go;’ ‘ye that mind to come.’
Truth had hitherto stood for fides, but it now comes to mean veritas, and in the end has all but driven out the good old sooth. To this day our true will translate either fidus or verus.
Hyt ys no trouþe, but fals belevyng. — Page 13.
Forswere ʓow nevere for worldys gode.
For ʓe wyte weyl, and have hyt herde,
Þat troupe ys more þan alle þe worlde. — Page 88.
Eton Bucks is the name that used to be given to the lads bred at King Henry the Sixth's renowned College. In the Handlyng Synne (page 102), we see how the Old English bucca (hircus) came to mean a dandy.
- ↑ He explains it as a woman who comes for mede.
