Obs. [First used by the archaists of the 16th c.; derivation uncertain. Probably the obsolete adverb ADAWE (see next), in such a phrase as ‘they did him adawe,’ i.e., out of life, to death, was mistaken for a verb infinitive, quasi ‘to quell, crush, put down,’ and this in subsequent use fancied to be a compound of awe, after the analogy of ad-apt, ad-minister, ad-vow; see AD- 2.] To subdue, daunt.
1557. Tottell’s Misc. (Arb.), 158. He adawth the force of colde.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., III. vii. 13. The sight whereof did greatly him adaw. Ibid., V. vii. 20. Like one adawed with some dreadfull spright.
1621. Bp. Montagu, Diatribe, 85. Being overawed and adawed, as they are.
1654. Ussher, Annals, VI. (1658), 249. They … being adawed at his constancy and resolution … fled every man of them.
