▪ I. ‖ naturel, n.
(natyrɛl)
[F., n. use of the adj.: see next.]
Natural character or disposition.
| 1856 Emerson Eng. Traits, Result, The contumacious sharp-tongued energy of English naturel. 1870 ― Soc. & Sol. vi. 126 What possesses interest for us is the naturel of each, his constitutional excellence. |
▪ II. † naturel, a. Obs.
Also 4–5 -ell, 5 -ele, -elle, -eel, -ile, -ill.
[a. F. naturel (12th c.), ad. L. nātūrāl-is natural a.]
= natural a., in various senses. (Common in Chaucer, Gower, and Caxton.)
| a 1300 Cursor M. 9449 Þe laghes bath he þan for-lete Bath naturel and positif. c 1374 Chaucer Compl. Mars 122 A naturel day in derk I let her duel. 1387 Trevisa Higden (Rolls) III. 65 Þis naturel philosofer and dyuynour serchede kynde and vertues of þynges. c 1400 Destr. Troy 6770 All the nobill anon,—þo naturill brether,—Wonderfully wroght with wepyn in hond. c 1400 tr. Secreta Secret., Gov. Lordsh. 66 To perfitly knowe alle manere of Naturels þinges. 1470–85 Malory Arthur ix. xl. 406 Ye haue done to vs but as a naturel Knyghte ought to doo. 1497 Bp. Alcock Mons Perfect. E ij, Our moost naturell Souerayne lorde Henry the seuenth. |