< University of Manchester, Lexis of Cloth & Clothing Project, Search Result For: 'peson'
| Skip to main content | Skip to navigation | Skip to Search |

[University home]

The Lexis of Cloth and Clothing Project
    Expand All     Collapse All     Print Page

peson

.
Searchable Lemmata: peisson (AF), peson (ME), peson (MdE).
Alternate Forms: pessuns, pesun, peysouns.

    Definitions and Defining Citations:

1(n.) Manufacture; a word with the basic meaning of 'weight, counterweight' (see also pensum); used to refer to a spindle-whorl.(ante 1300 - ante 1400 ?)
1. vertebrum gallice: pesun [AND Dictionarius (65)]
2. textura: tissure [...] vopellis: peysouns, pessuns, vertolye, anglice werve Gloss. [AND Utensilibus (89) 1200/1300]
c.f.: pensum, vertebrum, wharve
AF.
Sex: Male, Female    Ceremonial: No
Body Parts:
2(n.) Accessory; by extension used to refer to a weighing-balance similar to a steelyard (the only attested sense in Middle English); from a visual resemblance, used to denote a tent-pole or similar support (Anglo-French).(ante 1200 - circa 1460)
1. Et tenden[t] acubes et tres, Lor tentes et lor paveilluns, Funt loges et ferment peissons [AND Proth ANTS (8277) ante 1185]
2. In primis, a peson of gold, it fayleth v balles, weiyng xxiij unces gold. Other. [MED Paston ((Gairdner) 3.173) 1459]
AF, ME.
Sex: N/A    Ceremonial: No
Body Parts:

    Etymological Evidence:

Definite, AF/OF peson, peis(s)on, derivative of peise 'a weight' (ultimately < Latin pensum).
WF: Borrowed into the British Isles
Etym Cog:
References:
Skip to main content Skip to navigation