myrthe
Middle English
Etymology 1
Inherited from Old English myrgþ, mergþ, mirgþ, miriġþ, from Proto-West Germanic *murgīþu; equivalent to mery + -the (abstract nominal suffix).
Alternative forms
- merth, merthe, merþe, mirthe, mirth, murhthe, murþe, myrth, myrþe
- merhð, mirhð, mureȝþ, murehþ, murcð, murȝþ, murhd, murhð, muruhð (Early Middle English)
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈmɛrθ(ə)/, /ˈmirθ(ə)/, /ˈmurθ(ə)/
- (Early Middle English) IPA(key): /ˈmɛrxθ(ə)/, /ˈmirxθ(ə)/, /ˈmurxθ(ə)/
Noun
myrthe (plural myrthes)
- Mirth, joy, gladness; the state of being happy or elated.
- Religious or holy bliss, ecstasy, or salvation.
- Merry-making, entertainment, amusement, fun (or an instance of it)
- A wonder; an astounding, astonishing or lucky happening.
- Something that appeals or is held in high regard.
- (rare, euphemistic) Copulation; the act of having sex
- (rare) A term of worship and adoration
Related terms
Descendants
References
- “mirth(e, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 9 November 2018.
Etymology 2
Verb
myrthe
- alternative form of myrthen