prochain, a. (n.)
Also 5– -ein, 6 -ane, -yn.
[a. F. prochain (prɔʃɛ̃), prucein (12th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), f. proche near:—L. propius adv., compar. of prope near.]
† 1. Neighbouring, nearest, next. Obs.
| 1549 Compl. Scot. Epist. 4 Godefroid of billon..deffendit his..subiectis of loran, fra his prochane enemeis that lyis contigue about his cuntre. 1555 Inst. Gentleman I ij, As wel against our prochane and nere enemis, as also in foren wars. 1592 W. Wyrley Armorie 116 All the prochaine ground We rifled, and toth' siege brought what we found. |
‖ 2. prochain ami. [F. = ‘near friend’: see ami.] In Law: The next friend (next a. 3 b), one who is entitled to sue on behalf of an infant or a person of unsound mind.
| [1285 Early Stat. Irel. (1907) 82 Si ele seit recoueree al prochein ami a ki le heritage ne purra decendre pur apruer.] 1473–5 in Calr. Proc. Chanc. Q. Eliz. (1830) II. Pref. 59 The replicacion of Johan Saunder, by William Cooke, per prochein amy, to the answer and title of John Saunder. 1607 Cowell Interpr., Prochein Amy..is vsed in our common lawe, for him that is next of kin to a childe in his nonage, and is in that respect allowed by lawe, to deale for him in the managing of his affaires. 1715 M. Davies Athen. Brit. I. 320 For ought I know Fox's Heirs, per Descent, or even his Prochain-amis, might bring their Assize for that Disseisin, and so re-enter. 1809 Q. Rev. Feb. 103 Had such a tirade been delivered in Westminster Hall..the learned Counsel would have been recommended to the care of his prochein ami. |
3. prochain avoidance [lit. next voidance], a power to appoint a minister to a church when next it becomes vacant.
| 1744 in Jacob Law Dict. |
B. n. One near of kin.
| c 1520 Wyse Chylde & Emp. Adrian (1860) 15 That they heden then leue to loue theyr prochyns and nereste of blode. |