Forms: see prec. (in pa. pple.): also 5–6 blynfeld(e, blyndfeld(e, (blindfield(e, blyndefielde), blyndefolde, 6 blyndfild, 7 blindefold, 6– blindfold.
1. Having the eyes bandaged so as to prevent vision. (Rarely attrib.; often advb.)
1483. Caxton, Gold. Leg., 88/1. He fonde them on theyr knees and blyndfeld.
1553. T. Wilson, Rhet., 115 b. Shall some gentilman playe blyndefolde at the chesse.
1555. Eden, Decades W. Ind. (Arb.), 347. They can in maner go thyther blyndfielde.
1768. Tucker, Lt. Nat., II. 606. He that follows another blindfold.
1792. S. Rogers, Pleas. Mem., I. 36. And turned the blindfold hero round and round.
b. transf.
1593. Shaks., Rich. II., I. iii. 224. My inch of Taper will be burnt and done, And blindfold death not let me see my sonne.
2. fig. With the mind blinded; without perception; without forethought, heedless, reckless. Cf. BLIND a. 3.
c. 1450. De Deguileville’s Pilgr., in Cath. Angl., 35. Of þaim that er blynfelde and er as blynde.
1570. B. Googe, Pop. Kingd., i. 3. But blyndefielde every man must take, whatsoeuer he settes out.
1592. Shaks., Ven. & Ad., 554. With blindfold fury she begins to forage.
1687. Dryden, Hind & P., I. 324. The blind-fold blows of ignorance.
1878. Morley, Crit. Misc., Ser. I. 158. Sailing blindfold and haphazard.
† 3. Dark. Cf. BLIND a. 6. Obs.
1601. Yarington, Two Lament. Traj., Prol. 7, in Bullen, O. Pl., IV. Each stately streete, And blinde-fold turning.
