† ˈdisple, v. Obs.
Also 6 dyspel.
[App. a popular formation from discipline n. 7, or v. 2.
If derived from discipline vb., the final -in(e might be confounded with the infinitive suffix -en, -yn, and disappear along with it. But it is, on the whole, more probable that discipl-ine n. was associated with vbl. ns. in -ing, and so converted into discipl-ing, dissplying, dyspelyng, as in the earliest instances quoted. Thence a verb to disple would naturally be deduced. The verb disciple is of later date.]
trans. To subject to discipline, bodily correction, penance, or punishment; esp. as a religious practice. Also ˈdispling vbl. n. and ppl. a.
| 1492 in Brand Pop. Antiq., Ash Wedn. (1870) I. 56 For dissplying rods, ij{supd}. 1533 More Apol. xxvii. Wks. 893/2 As lothe..as the Ladye was to come..to dyspelyng, that wepte..that the prieste had..with the dyspelyng rodde beaten her hard vppon her lylye white handes. 1563–87 Foxe A. & M. (1596) 1339/2 Euery of them had a Taper in his hand, and a rod, wherewith the Preacher did disple them. 1581 Marbeck Bk. of Notes 586 The displing of the froward childe. 1590 Spenser F.Q. i. x. 27 Bitter Penaunce, with an yron whip, Was wont him once to disple every day. 1605 B. Jonson Volpone iv. ii, Who here is fled for liberty of conscience..Her will I disc'ple. 1607 R. C. tr. Estienne's World of Wonders 169 Displing friers. 1641 Vind. Smectymnuus iii. 49 The Reverend Fathers will have multitudes of disobedient sons to disple. |