† suffragies, n. pl. Obs.
Also 3 -iis, 4–5 ijs, 5 -iez, -yes, -is, 6 -ees.
[ad. L. suffrāgia, pl. of suffrāgium suffrage n.]
1. Prayers, esp. on behalf of the departed.
| a 1225 Ancr. R. 22 A morwen, oþer a niht efter þe suffragiis of Uhtsong, siggeð Commendacium. c 1380 Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 259 No prelat may assoylle, ne graunte hevenely suffragies. 1432–50 tr. Higden (Rolls) VI. 195 Suffragyes doen for dedde men. 1450 Rolls of Parlt. V. 188/1 A solempne Obite..to be..founden with other certayn observauncez and suffragiez. a 1533 Frith Disput. Purgat. i. Wks. (1573) 17 He shal lye in the paynes of purgatory, vntill he be deliuered thence by Masse pence, the Popes pardon or certaine other Suffragies. 1555 Eden Decades (Arb.) 293 They..thinke that the soules of deade menne are not helped with the suffragies of preestes. |
2. Votes, opinions, testimonies.
| 1587 D. Fenner Def. Ministers 26 Lett him neither be a Commaunder or Lorde, nor a slaue vnto the suffragies, but a fellowe & a discerner. 1593 R. Harvey Philad. 9 If nothing be true in one country which hath not suffragees from another Countrey, I cannot tell what historie may stand. |