Dere, v. S. to harm, injure, 490, 574, 806, 2310. Dereth, pr. t. injures, 648. K. Horn, 148; R. Br. p. 107; K. of Tars, 192; Chauc. Deir, Sc. Doug. Virg. 413, 52; Lynds. Gl.
Dere, adj. S. dear, 1637, 2170, &c.
Deuel, n. S. devil, 446, 496, 1188. Deueles, g. c. devil’s, 1409.
Deus. This is undoubtedly the vocative case of the Lat. Deus, used as an interjection, 1312, 1650, 1930, 2096, 2114. “Its use was the same in French as in English. Thus in King Horn:
Euuers Deu en sun quer a fait grant clamur,
Ohi, Deus! fait il, ki es uerrai creatur,
Par ki deuise, &c.
Harl. MS. 527, f. 66 b. c. 2.
It was probably introduced into the English language by the Normans, and its pronunciation remained the same as in the French.
And gradde ‘as armes,’ for Douce Mahons!