A Concise Dictionary of Middle English from A.D. 1150 to 1580

by A. L. Mayhew; Walter W. Skeat

[ Fermen], v. to hold land at a fixed rent, Prompt. See [Ferme, sb.]

[ Fermerer], sb. infirmary officer, Cath. See [Enfermerere].

[ Fermery], sb. infirmary, S3, Voc.; fermorie, PP; fermory, Cath.; fermarye, Cath. (n.); fermerye, Prompt., Cath. (n.).—OF. enfermerie, infirmarie, infirmerie; Church Lat. infirmaria, a place for the infirm (Ducange).

[ Fermour], sb. farmer, steward, CM, MD; fermer, Cath. See [Ferme, sb.]

[ Fern], sb. fern, C2; ferene, dat., S2. Phr.: aisschen of ferne, fern ashes, MD. Comb.: fern-asshen, fern ashes, C2.—AS. fearn (Voc.): OHG. farn.

[ Fern], adj. and adv. old, long ago, C2, PP; ferne, CM; furn, MD. Comb.: fern-ȝeres, past years; fern yere, formerly, PP.—AS. fyrn (see Sievers); cp. OS. furn, forn, fern, Goth. fairnis.

[ Ferreden], sb. company, S; uerade, S. See [Ȝefered].

[ Ferren], adj. and adv. far, distant, MD; feren, S; verrenne, pl., S; ferne, C.—AS. feorran, from afar. See [Fer].

[ Ferret-silke], sb. coarse silk, S3, Florio.—It. fioretti, from fióre, flower. Cf. [Floret-silk].

[ Fers], adj. fierce, brave, Prompt., C, PP; fiers, S2, C2, C3; fierse, PP.—OF. fers, fiers (Roland); Lat. ferus.