Obs. [f. the adj.: a later formation, instead of OE. blíðsian, blissian, BLISS.]

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  1.  intr. To rejoice, to be merry; = BLISS v. 1.

2

a. 1300.  Cursor M., 17870 (Gött.). Adam … bigan þan forto blith [v.r. to glade] in hast.

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1563.  Sackville, Compl. Dk. Buckhm., 108. Take hede by me that blithd in balefull blisse.

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  2.  trans. To make blithe, gladden, delight; = BLISS v. 2 and BLITHEN.

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c. 1400.  Destr. Troy, 2554. Hit blithet all the buernes þat aboute stode.

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c. 1440.  Promp. Parv., 40. Blythyn or welle cheryn, exhillero.

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1627.  Feltham, Resolves, I. lxxxi. Wks. (1677), 124. Hope flatters Life … She blythes the Farmer.

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