well-ˈgotten, ppl. a.
Obtained by good means, honourably gained. (Cf. ill-gotten.)
| 1530 Palsgr. 844/1 Well gotten, de bon acquest. a 1533 Ld. Berners Huon lxviii. 235 Duke Naymes wolde take neuer a peny, for he thought al that rychys was not wel goten. 1656 Cowley Mistr., Dialogue ii, I'll the well-gotten Pleasure Safe in my Memo'ry Treasure. 1855 Tennyson Maud i. iv. iii, Your father has wealth well-gotten, and I am nameless and poor. |