Middle English Dictionary Entry
sumac n.
Entry Info
| Forms | sumac n. Also sumak, simak, (error) sumat. |
| Etymology | ML sumac(h & OF sumac, AF sumak, symak. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A part or parts of the shrub sumac (Rhus coriaria), usu. used as an ingredient in medicaments.
Associated quotations
- a1400 Lanfranc (Ashm 1396)218/19 : Whanne þou hast lete him blood..þan make him a gargarisme wiþ a decoccioun of..sumac, balaustiarum, lentium, & gallarum.
- 1419 Liber Albus Lond.in RS 12.1224 : Karke de symak, xii d.
- ?c1425 Chauliac(2) (Paris angl.25)90/5 : Take of þe iuse of sengrene..a pounde, of grete soure wyne..half a pounde..and of sumac [L sumac] ipowdred ana, [etc.].
- ?c1425 Chauliac(2) (Paris angl.25)315/33 : I make ham mesurably soure medecynes, as ben sumac [L sumach] and roses.
- ?c1425 Chauliac(2) (Paris angl.25)628/11 : Sumac is a fruyte, colde in þe secounde degree, d[r]ye in þe þridde degre, wiþ streynynge.
- a1450 Diseases Women(2) (Sln 2463)84 : Another preciouse medecyne is this: Take saunders, the rede & þe white spodie, sumat [read: sumac], mirtille..acacie, [etc.].
- a1475 *Gilb.Angl.(Wel 537)171/14 : Ȝyue him a gargarisme of vynegir þat barliche haþ leyen yn, and watir þat balaustia or sumac or roses..ben y-soden yn.
- a1475 *Gilb.Angl.(Wel 537)298/35 : Make a plastir of bole and sandragon and mummie and sumac and of gum arabike, [etc.].