† ˈbelsire Obs.
Also 4–6 bel(l)syre, 5 beelesire, 6 belsier.
[f. bel + sire: cf. beldame, belfader. The components are the same as in beausire, with which, however, this has no connexion, being of Eng. formation.]
A grandfather; an ancestor.
| 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. ix. 142 Here abouȝte þe barne þe belsyres gultes. 1483 Cath. Angl. 27/1 Bellsyre, auus. 1494 Fabyan vii. ccxxvii. 256 The sone here lyeth with also the fader, The belsyre, for & y⊇ great graundfader. 1530 Palsgr. 197/2 Belsyre, grant pere. 1573 Twyne æneid xii. Mm iij, Antique names of noble Belsiers old. 1612 Drayton Poly-olb. xiv. 233 When he his long descent shall from his Bel-sires bring. a 1631 Weever Anc. Fun. Mon. 615 The great Belsire, the Grandsire, Sire, and Sonne Lie here interred vnder this Grauestone. |