† eˈscheve, v. Obs.
Forms: 4–6 eschew(e, escheve, (4 escheffe, 6 esschef).
[a. OF. escheve-r, corrupt form of achever: see achieve.]
1. trans. To bring to a successful issue, accomplish; = achieve 1.
| 1375 Barbour Bruce iii. 283 Gret thingis eschewyt he [Cesar], As men may in his story se. c 1500 Lancelot 2229 Aduentur is non so gret to pref..nor ȝhe sal it esschef. a 1533 Ld. Berners Huon xx. 57 God ayde you to eschew & to fornyshe thys grete besynes. |
2. To succeed in gaining; to gain; = achieve 5 a.
| 1520 Calisto & Melibæa in Hazl. Dodsley I. 77 To enjoy your youth..For that time pleasures are most escheved. |
3. intr. To gain one's end; const. of or simply; = achieve 6.
| c 1375 Sc. Leg. Saints, Mathou 321 To sanct mathow son went he, Wenand be hym wele til eschewe. Ibid., Eugenia 533 He had eschewit of his wil, Or ony helpe had cumyne hir til. ? a 1400 Morte Arth. 2301 Lappede them in lede, lesse that they schulde Chawnge or chawffe, ȝif þay myghte escheffe. |