▪ I. † aˈreason, v. Obs.
Also 3 aresun, 4–5 areson(ne, 5 araison, 6 arraison.
[a. OFr. ares-, areis-, araisone-r, mod.F. arraisonner, levelled form of earlier araisnier (1 sing. pres. araisone):—late L. adratiōnāre, f. ad to + ratiōnāre to discourse, f. ratiōn-em: see reason.]
By-form of arraign v.; to address words and esp. questions to; to question, examine, call to account.
| c 1250 Kent. Serm. in O.E. Misc. 35 Þo aresunede ure lord þe paens..vre-fore hi hedden i-be so longe idel. 1340 Hampole Pr. Consc. 2460 And be aresoned, als right es Of alle his mysdedys. 1470 Harding Chron. clxxxviij, Walworth..Areasoned hym then of his greate lewdenesse. 1475 Caxton Jason 41 b, And spack not one worde but if he were demanded or araisoned. 1594 Carew Tasso (1881) 100 He..Arraisons him with this besmoothing art. |
▪ II. † areason, n. Obs. rare—1.
In 3 areisun.
[f. prec.]
Examination, interrogation.
| a 1300 Floriz & Bl. 248 Þe porter is culuart and felun, He wule him sette areisun. [? or a reisun] |