▪ I. † abey(e, abeiȝ(e, v.1 Obs.
Forms: inf. 1 abéᵹan, 2 abeȝen, 3 abeiȝe(n, 4 abeye.
[a- prefix 1 + béȝ-an to bend (trans.), f. b{uacu}ȝan, beáȝ, to bow: see bey v.]
To bend, bow, subject, make obedient.
| 1073 O.E. Chron. (Laud. MS.) anno 1073 [Hi] þet land amyrdon, and hit eall abeᵹdon. c 1380 Sir Ferumb. 5657 Þow ne wolt þyn herte ab[e]ye To Char[lis] þat ys so gret. c 1420 Chron. Vilod. 97 Ni þei abeiȝedoun hem no þing to þe king hest. |
▪ II. abey, v.2 rare.
(əˈbeɪ)
[Modern formation deduced from abeyance, as said of the possession; not a. OFr. abeer, ‘to gape for, aspire to,’ said of the claimant.]
To put in abeyance, waive.
| 1868 Buchanan Trag. Dram. Wallace i. ii. All right of rank and place abeyed, I'll follow any of the three. |
▪ III. abey(e
obs. form of abye v.