Obs. 3–4; also abandun, abaundune. [a. OFr. phr. à bandon, à bandun, f. à at, to, bandon, -un ‘ban, proscription, authoritative order, jurisdiction, control, disposal, discretion,’ as in avoir à (or en) bandon, to have in one’s jurisdiction, at one’s disposal, under one’s control; à son bandon at his pleasure; courir à bandon to run at one’s own discretion, without restraint, impetuously. See also BANDOUN sb. and cf. the phrases at his bandoun, in hir bandoun, etc.]
1. Under jurisdiction, control, authority; at (one’s) free disposal.
c. 1225. Ureisun of God Almihti, 203. To beon moder of swich sune … & habben him so abaundune [Lamb. MS. abandun] ðet he wulle ðet þin wille oueral beo i-uorðed.
2. At one’s own discretion, at one’s will, without interference or interruption from others. Hence, a. Unrestrictedly, freely, recklessly, with all one’s might, in full career. b. Unstintedly, entirely, wholly. c. Without bounds, to the fullest extent. (Cf. OFr. une porte overte a bandon.)
a. 1320. Guy of Warw. (Turnb.), 181. Ther com an hundred knightes of gret might, Alle thai folwed him abandoun, And he mett with hem als a lyoun.
c. 1320. Arthour & Merlin, 6016. His ribbes and scholder fel adoun Men might se the liuer abandon.
1423. James I., King’s Quair, II. vi. Quhare as in strayte ward, and in strong prison, Without confort, in sorowe abandoune.
