† ˈfairhead Obs.
Forms: α. 3 faiȝered, 3–4 faired(e, fairehed(e, (3 -hid), 3–5 fair-, fayrhed(e, 4 fairheed, fayrhed, feir(e)-, 4–6 fayrehed, (5 farhed), 6 Sc. fairheid; β. 3–4 vair-, vayrhede.
[f. fair a. + -head.]
Beauty.
| c 1250 Gen. & Ex. 2666 He was ȝuð, Wið faiȝered and strengthe kuð. 1297 R. Glouc. (Rolls) 2515 Þe king..bihuld hire vairhede. a 1340 Hampole Psalter Prol., In þaim is so mykill fayrhed of vnderstandynge. 1340 Ayenb. 16 Liȝtbere, þe angel, vor his greate uayrhede an his greate wyt, wolde by aboue þe oþre angeles. c 1440 Hylton Scala Perf. (W. de W. 1494) ii. xlvi, The fairhede [1533 fairnesse] of angels. 1501 Douglas Pal. Hon. i. xxxvi, Her bewtie schane castand sa greit ane glance, All fairheid it opprest. 1560 Rolland Crt. Venus ii. 105 Thair was the flour of fairheid. |