† ˈAskapart Obs.
Forms: 4 ascopard(e, 5 -parte, 6–7 ascapart(e, -upart, 8 askapart.
Name of a race of hardy warriors living in or near Arabia; also of a giant said to have been defeated by Sir Bevis of Southampton.
| c 1320 Sir Beues 2341 A geaunt With a lotheliche semlaunt..thrette fete long..Me name, a sede, is Ascopard. 1366 Mandeville vi. 63 Arrabyenes, that Men clepen Bedoynes and Ascopardes. c 1400 Sowdone Bab. 2648 Ethiopis, Indens and Ascopartes, That bene boolde and hardy to fight. c 1550 Syr Beuys K ij, Beuis with a bolde herte..assayled Ascaparte. 1612 Drayton Polyolb. ii. 694 (N.) Sir Bevis..(Goliah like) great Ascupart inforc'd To serve him for a slave. 1735 Pope Donne Sat. iv. 276 Each man an Askapart, of strength to toss For Quoits, both Temple-bar and Charing-Cross. |