† ˈmiting Obs.
Forms: 5 mytyng, myghtyng, 5–7 mytting, 6 myten, myting, myteyng.
[f. mite2 + -ing3.]
A diminutive creature. Often used as a term of endearment or of contempt.
| c 1440 York Myst. xviii. 113 With þat mytyng yf þat we be mette Þer is no salue þat hym may saue. Ibid. xxxi. 305 Þou mummeland myghtyng. c 1460 Towneley Myst. xii. 477 Hayll, praty mytyng! 1508 Kennedie Flyting w. Dunbar 494 A myten [v.r. myting], full of flyting. a 1529 Skelton E. Rummyng 224 He calleth me his whytyng, His mullyng and his myting. ― Agst. Garnesche iii. 115 For alle ys nat worthe a myteyng, A mekerell nor a wyteyng. a 1585 Montgomerie Flyting w. Polwart 9 Foule mismade mytting. |