† ferm, v. Obs.
Also 4 ferme, -ye.
[a. OF. ferme-r:—L. firmāre to make fast, f. firm-us firm.]
1. trans. To establish, make firm.
| c 1330 R. Brunne Chron. Wace (Rolls) 15507 Wyues þey toke, þer loues to ferme Two sones had þey at o terme. 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. x. 74 Þat folke is nouȝte fermed in þe feith. c 1380 Sir Ferumb. 2113 Þay..cussede i-same an haste, To fermye loue by-twene hem. 1513 Douglas æneis x. v. 174 Or thai thar fute steppis ferm and tak array. |
2. To shut up, blockade.
| 1513 Douglas æneis x. v. 181 He suld nocht from the sege vprais, Bot still remane to ferm and clos the toun. 1655 J. Jennings tr. Elise 2 As a Neptune ferming the winds of sedition in their gale. |
3. = affirm v.
| a 1455 Holland Houlate xli, Thus in defence of the faith as fermes ynewe..The douchty Douglas is dede. |