† to-ˈgnaw, v. Obs.
Pa. tense -gnew. Pa. pple. -gnowe(n).
[ME., f. to-2 + gnawen, gnaȝen to gnaw; = MHG., Ger. zernagen.]
trans. To gnaw to pieces; to gnaw away.
| 13.. K. Alis. 4629 No let none houndes me to-gnawe [Bodl. MS. todrawe]. Ibid. 6119 And they al day..heore flesch to-gnowe. c 1305 St. Kath. 248 in E.E.P. (1862) 96 Hi nome kene hokes of ire and hire flesche to-gnowe. 1340 Hampole Pr. Consc. 863 Wormes þan sal it al to-gnaw. 14.. Sir Beues (M.) 2174 Into the caue cam lyons two,..anone they hym slewe And hym and his hors al to-gnewe. |