† aˈwreak, v. Obs.
For forms see wreak v.
[OE. awrecan, f. a- prefix 1 + wrecan to wreak.]
1. trans. To punish or take vengeance upon (an offence, misdeed).
| 1048 O.E. Chron. (Laud MS.) §3 Hu hi mihton þæs cynges bismer awrecan. c 1230 Ancr. R. 334 Gif þu..holdest God to nesche uorto awreken sunne. 1340 Ayenb. 83 Errour in batayle..is anon awreke. 1481 Caxton Reynard (1844) 75, I shal awreke..this trespace. |
2. trans. a. To sentence to punishment, condemn (a person). b. To condemn, blame, find fault with.
| 1205 Lay. 25194 Þat ilke þat Howel haf[eð] ispeken, ne sal hit na man awreken, ah we hit scullen ilæsten. a 1300 Floriz & Bl. 661 Are hi beo to diþe awreke. |
3. To avenge or revenge: a. refl. oneself; b. trans. one's aggrieved feelings (of).
| c 930 Laws of Athelstan i. 20 (Bosw.) Gif hine hwá awrecan wille. c 1230 Ancr. R. 334 Bihold hu he awrec him of his heih engel. 1575 Gammer Gurton iv. ii, And sware..he would awreake his sorrowe. |
c. trans. To avenge another person. d. pass. To be avenged or revenged (of).
| a 1300 Floriz & Bl. 658 A-wrekeþ me wiþ Jugement. 1377 Langl. P. Pl. B. vi. 204 For I am wel awroke now of wastoures þoru þi myȝte. c 1386 Chaucer Miller's T. 566 Me were lever than alle this toun..Of this dispit awroken for to be. c 1430 Syr Gener. 1272 Glad woman shal I neuer be Til ye graunt to a-wreke me. 1586 J. Hooker Girald. Irel. in Holinsh. II. 31/1 And she to be awreaked, did..find the means to find out this Rosamund. |