Middle English Dictionary Entry
prōnge n.
Entry Info
| Forms | prōnge n. Also prange. |
| Etymology | AL pronga; cp. MDu., MLG prange. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Agony, pain; an affliction; pronges of deth, death throes; wommanes ~, the pain of childbirth; (b) a pointed instrument.
Associated quotations
a
- (1440) Capgr.St.Norb.(Hnt HM 55)3469 : He had suffered many a sory pronge Of here venym.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)415 : Pronge: Erumpna.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)493 : Throwe, wommanys pronge: Erumpna.
- 1447 Bokenham Sts.(Arun 327)5232 : To sorwyn & wepyn þei feyn As þow þe prongys of deth dede streyn Here hert-root.
- ?a1475 Ludus C.(Vsp D.8)268/1068 : Þese prongys, myn herte A-sondyr þei do rende.
b
- a1500(?c1425) Spec.Sacer.(Add 36791)180/21 : Þey put him on þe rostyryn or girderen and put to coles alle a-bowte hym with furgones or pranges.