† ˈaskefise Obs.
[App. of Norse origin, though not recorded by Vigf{uacu}sson; Sw. askefis (Grimm), (cf. Ger. aschenfister, Du. aschevijster) f. aske ashes + ON. and Sw. f{iacu}sa, Da. fise, to blow, to pass wind; cf. ON. f{iacu}si-belgr small bellows.]
One who blows the ashes or fire; a term of reproach among northern nations for an unwarlike fellow who stayed at home in the chimney-corner.
| c 1400 Promp. Parv. 15 Askysye, Askefise, askefyse, ciniflo. a 1500 Medulla Gram., Ciniflo, an askfist, or iren heter. [Other MSS. A fyre blowere, an yryn hetere, an askefyce..An aske fyse or irne eter.] 1500 Ortus Voc. (W. de W.) Ciniflo, qui flat in cinere, aske fyste, a fyre blawer or a yrne hotter. |