The etymology of this peculiar hapax is unclear, and the translation is a tentative suggestion by the editor of Brut3 (p. 169), based on a similar passage in the Munich Brut (‘N’i aroit si pou d’achaisun, Ne vos fust a cunfusion’, 967-68).
s.
1pretext (?):
(
s.xiii1/3; MS: s.xivin
)
Lur linage tut dis crestra [...], Currunt nus sure a un tresbeit, Occirunt nus par icest pleit
475