1
dryness, one of the fundamental qualities in the four elements of nature (as opposed to moist and in association with cold and hot):
(
c.1300;
MS: s.xiv1/4
)
L’eve i est [...] E freide e moiste ensemble. Ben cei conois e vei Ke la tere a en sei E freidour e secheté
133
(
MS: s.xiv1
)
Cest esteyle Aldebaran [...] est signefiaunce de grant secketie pur cause de Mars et de mout graunt moisture par cause de Venus
176
♦
med.
dryness, one of the fundamental qualities in the human body, its humours or its functions that affect a person’s complexion or health:
(
c.1300;
MS: s.xivin
)
Si ceste maladie seit de chalor e de seccheté [...]
ii 167
(
s.xiv2;
MS: s.xiv2
)
la sechetez fet la urine clere e delietz
ii 262
2
geog.
agricultural
(of land) dryness, aridity:
(
1354;
MS: c.1360
)
ausi [n'i ad] poynt de sourse de eawe, einz est tout secche sanz nule goute pur la secchetee de terage
=of the land
181.29
♦
fig.
emotion
dryness, lack of kindness, happiness, etc.:
(
1354;
MS: c.1360
)
La soif qe j'ai, si est pur la secchetee q'est en moy par defaute de grace
200.15
3
geog.
dry, arid land:
(
s.xii1;
MS: 1155-60
) li mescreables acertes habiterent en sechedez
(var. (P: s.xii4/4) secchetez) (Latin: increduli autem habitaverunt in siccitatibus)
113.LXVII.7
secheté (s.xii1)