▪ I. † enˈtame, v.1 Obs.
Also 4 entamy, 5 enteme.
[a. Fr. entame-r = atamer: see attame.]
1. trans. To make a cut into, wound. Also fig.
| c 1330 R. Brunne Chron. Wace (Rolls) 12387 He..entamed boþe his bryn. c 1380 Sir Ferumb. 3699 Þe helm was so hard y-wroȝt, þat he miȝt entamy him noȝt, Wyþ no dynt of swerde. 1393 Gower Conf. I. 66 If thou thy conscience Entamed hast in such a wise. ? a 1400 Morte Arth. 1160 They fande no flesche entamede. 1480 Caxton Ovid's Met. xii. xii, Loves of bred hole & entamed. 1490 ― Eneydos iv. 18 The whiche trees soo cutte and entamed. |
2. To make the first cut in. Hence fig. To open (a discussion, conversation, etc.). Cf. F. entamer.
| 1475 Caxton Jason 90 She entemed and began to opene her mater in this wyse. 1483 ― Gold. Leg. 110/3 Whyche of them bothe shold entame or bygynne to take of the breed. c 1500 Melusine 299 He had not entamed nor shewed the matere to no man. |
▪ II. entame, v.2
(ɛnˈteɪm)
[f. en-1 + tame.]
a. trans. To tame; to subdue. † b. intr. To grow or become tame. Obs.
| 1600 Shakes. A.Y.L. iii. v. 48 'Tis not..your cheek of cream, That can entame my spirits to your worship. 1768 J. Ross Ode on Loss of Friend, MS. Wks. 223 My trembling frame With some felt impulse shrinks, and all my pow'rs entame. 1855 Singleton Virgil I. 111 All are..at much cost entamed. |