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

by A. L. Mayhew; Walter W. Skeat

[ Lawelyche], adj. lawful, S; lagelice, adv., S.

[ Lay], sb. law, CM; religion, fidelity, S2; creed, C2, C3; laies, pl., PP.—OF. lai, ley, lei; Lat. legem.

[ Layes], sb. pl. leas, meadows, S3; see [Leye].

[ Layke], sb. game, sport, trial of strength, PP, S2; laike, WA; laik, PP.—Icel. leikr. Cf. [Lok].

[ Layken], v. to play, sport, S2, PP, Prompt., Manip.; laike, PP, WA; leyke, S.—Icel. leika; cp. AS. lácan, to spring, leap for joy, dance, contend: Goth. laikan, to leap for joy.

[ Layking], sb. play-thing; laykyn’, Prompt.; lakan, Prompt. (n); leikin, a sweet-heart, Prompt. (n).

[ Laynere], sb. a thong, C, CM; layner, SkD (p. 814); lanȝer, Cath.; lanyer, Palsg.; lanyr, Voc.; lanere, Prompt.—OF. laniere (Cotg.), lasniere (Palsg.), lasnier (Bartsch); Late Lat. *laniaria (linea), the thong for a lanner. See [Laner].

[ Laȝe], sb. law, S; see [Lawe].

[ Laȝte], pt. s. took, S; see [Lacchen].

[ Lazar], sb. leper, PP; lazer, C; lazars, pl., PP, C.—Church Lat. lazari, lepers (Ducange), from Lazarus; Gr. Λάζαρος (Lu. 16. 20); Heb. Eleazar, God helpeth.