| 释义 |
† worthinen. Origin: Formed within English, by derivation. Etymons: worth n.2, an element of uncertain origin. Etymology: In α. forms < worth n.2 + an element of uncertain origin, perhaps -y suffix1 (although its significance would be unclear). In β. forms showing further extension by an element of uncertain origin; perhaps compare -en suffix2 (in e.g. Old English wēsten western n.1). Compare similar variation shown by forms of ivy n. and other Old English tree names (see discussion at ivy n.), and see further A. H. Smith Eng. Place-name Elements (1956) I. 280, II. 275–7.Distribution of forms. For discussion of the α. forms see worth n.2 The β. forms are typically associated with the west midlands, both in lexical use and as a place-name element. In Old English, they occur in Mercian and in a text showing Mercian influence (see quot. OE at β. ), whereas West Saxon scribes tend to substitute the α. forms, which also correspond to the place-name element common in their area. Place-name evidence. As a place-name element α. forms are most commonly found in place names of south-west England, especially Devon; early examples include æt Worðige , Hampshire (825, now Martyr Worthy), Odeordi , Devon (1086, now Adworthy), Haldeurdi , Devon (1086; now Holsworthy), and more numerous instances first recorded from the 13th cent. onwards (compare e.g. Thornwrthy (1275; now Thornworthy), Arkewrthie (1238; now Axworthy), Chemesworthi (1286; now Chimsworthy), all in Devon). However, a large number of modern south-western names in -worthy appear to reflect alteration of original formations in worth n.2 (compare e.g. Binworthy, Devon (1244 as Bynneworthi ; 1167 as Bennewurð ), Burnworthy, Devon (1330 as Burneworthi ; 1238 as Brenewrth , Bernewrth )). Furthermore, some of the earliest-attested names formed from α. forms occur outside the south-west, e.g. Norðworðig (c1000, the former name of Derby ), Taouuorði , Taouuorthig , Staffordshire (781; now Tamworth). The β. forms are chiefly found in place names of the west midland counties, especially in Herefordshire and Shropshire; early examples include Norwordine , Cheshire (1086; now Northenden), Lucvordine , Herefordshire (1086; now Lugwardine), Wrdine , Shropshire (1086; now Worthen), Saleurdine , Shropshire (1086; now Shrawardine), Tolewardin , Worcestershire (1182 in a late copy; 1229 as Tolewardyn ; now Tolladine Farms), Brerdewordin , Herefordshire (12th cent.; now Bredwardine), Rwirdin , Gloucestershire (1086; 12th cent. as Rowardyn ; now Ruardean). For the common development to -wardine , -ardine in place names of this area, see R. Jordan Handb. der mittelenglischen Grammatik (ed. 2, 1934) §35.1. Outside the west midlands, place names originally formed from β. forms in -n also occur, but often show subsequent alteration by association with the α. forms, especially in south-western counties where the latter type (without -n ) was especially common; compare e.g. Bradworthy, Devon (1086 as Bravordina , Brawardine , 1196 as Brawrthi ), Badgworthy, Devon (1086 as Bicheordin , 1199 as Bikewrthi ). Elsewhere, names in worðign are often remodelled after the simplex worth n.2, which is very common as a place-name element and appears not to have been regionally marked: compare e.g. Lapworth, Warwickshire (816 (in an 11th-cent. copy) as Hlappawurthin, late 12th cent. as Lappewrthe), Shoresworth, Northumberland (c1085 as Scoreswurthin, c1170 as Scoreswrthe). Currency in Middle English. Greater currency in Middle English is apparently implied by post-classical Latin worthia, worthina, worthinus, wordinus (from 12th cent. in British sources) and possibly also by use in place names and field names recorded from the Middle English period (compare e.g. le Worthene (field name), Thaxted, Essex (1380; now The Worthings)), although it is difficult to establish how far such instances reflect currency of the word at the date of record. Obsolete ( historical in later use). society > inhabiting and dwelling > inhabited place > dwelling place or abode > [noun] the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of area > [noun] > a system or process of measuring land > other units of land measure α. eOE King Ælfred tr. Gregory (Hatton) (1871) xliv. 329 Ðæt se gitsere..his worðig [eOE Tiber. weorðig] & his land mid unryhte ryme. eOE (Corpus Cambr. 173) xl. 106 Ceorles worðig sceal beon wintres & sumeres betyned. eOE (Royal) (1865) i. iii. 44 Genim þæt micle greate windelstreaw twyecge þæt on worþium wixð. OE Ælfric (St. John's Oxf.) 318 Praedium, worðig [c1225 Worcester worþiȝ]. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2021). <  n.eOE |