† to-ˈtear, v. Obs.
Forms: see tear v.1
[OE. to-teran, f. to-2 + teran, tear v.1 So MHG. zerzern.]
trans. To tear to pieces.
| c 893 [see to-tee]. a 900 Ags. Ps. (Th.) xxix. 11 Þu totære min hwite hræᵹl. c 1000 ælfric Hom. II. 238 Ða næddran hi totæron. c 1205 Lay. 4994 Heo nom hire on anne curtel Þe wes swiðe to-toren [c 1275 al to-tore]. a 1225 Ancr. R. 84 Ȝet wolde he teteren & pileken, mid his bile, roted stinkinde fleshs. 13.. K. Alis. 4658 Alisaundre his clothes to-tare. c 1380 Wyclif Serm. Sel. Wks. II. 204 Þis spirit..al to-teerynge him, wente oute from him. c 1440 Partonope 4452 Why be your clothes thus to tore? c 1485 Digby Myst. (1882) iv. 305 The tormentours..With sharp scowrges te-terre his fleshe. 1520 Treat. Galaunt (W. de W.) xiv, In our wanton werynge of clothes to-torne. 1605 Sylvester Du Bartas ii. iii. 111. Law 784 Their shields, and staves, and chariots (all-to-tore). |