white flax
, white + flax.
Searchable Lemmata: whit-flex (ME).
Alternate Forms: huite ulexe, whyte flax.
Definitions and Defining Citations:
1a(n.)
Textile;
fine linen originally manufactured/sold in or associated with Egypt. Also [n MED *Medulla (Stnh A.1.10) 10a/a] glossed with Latin bissus (byss).(1340 - ante 1425 ?)
1. Þis ilke selue [chastity] is ous betokned ine þe aube and ine þe gerdle aboue, þet þe ministres of holy cherche doþ an huanne hi ssolle serui at godes wyeuede ... ssol by ycloþed mid linene kertles of chastete, þet is betokned be þe huite ulexe
Ecclesiastic/Regula.
[MED Ayenb. ((Arun 57) 236) 1340]
2. Bilix: an haubrek on [read: or] cloþ wt two [Add 33534: duble] þredes [Hrl 2270: þredes to] weuen ... Birratus: shorted or grete cloþed ... Birsa: ox leþer or harde leþer barked ... Bissus: whyte flax ...
Lexicon.
[MED *Medulla ((Stnh A.1.10) 10a/a) ante 1425]
Sex: Male Use: Ecclesiastical Ceremonial: Yes
Body Parts: N/A.
Etymological Evidence:
Definite, OE hwit 'white' + Germanic flax
WF:
Etym Cog:
References:
