cork 1
.
Searchable Lemmata: corke (ME), cork (OScots), cork (MdE).
Alternate Forms: corkes, corkis.
Definitions and Defining Citations:
1(n.)
Footwear;
in general, the periderm of the cork-oak, or an object made from it. In a garment sense, refers to cork shoes, or heels for shoes made from cork.(ante 1400 - post 1600 ?)
2. Please youre wise discretions ... to pray the Kyng ... that noo Marchaunt ... bryng, sende, nor conveye ... into this Reame ... eny of theese Wares ... eny Wollen Cloth, Laces, Corses, Ribans, Frenges ... threden Laces, throwen Silke, Silke in eny wise enbrauded ... tawed Botes, Shoen, Galoches or Corkes ... [etc.].
Legal.
[MED RParl. (5.507a) 1463/1464]
Ceremonial: No
Body Parts: Foot.
Etymological Evidence:
Definite, OED compares Spanish corche 'cork' (< Latin corticem, oblique of cortex 'bark') and Old Spanish alcorque 'cork shoe', via Arabic either from cortex also, or from Latin quercus 'oak'. The exact route by which it entered Middle English is uncertain; the Dutch and German equivalents are first attested at a later date, and the word was not borrowed into French; it may have come to England with the importation of such goods direct from Spain.
WF: Borrowed into the British Isles
Etym Cog:
References:
