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) IPA^(key): /ˈmɛrxθ(ə)/, /ˈmirxθ(ə)/, /ˈmurxθ(ə)/

Noun

myrthe (plural myrthes)

1. Mirth, joy, gladness; the state of being happy or elated.
2. Religious or holy bliss, ecstasy, or salvation.
3. Merry-making, entertainment, amusement, fun (or an instance of it)
4. A wonder; an astounding, astonishing or lucky happening.
5. Something that appeals or is held in high regard.
6. (rare, euphemistic) Copulation; the act of having sex
7. (rare) A term of worship and adoration

Related terms

• myrthen

Descendants

• English: mirth
• Scots: mirth

References

• “mirth(e, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 2018-11-09.

Etymology 2

Verb

myrthe

1. Alternative form of myrthen