[WELL sb.1’ Cf. WFris. welwetter.] Water issuing, or drawn, from a well or spring.
c. 1000. Sax. Leechd., I. 330. Seoðe þonne his sceallan on yrnendum wylle wætere.
c. 1205. Lay., 19792. We habbeoð þe ibroht … cæld welle water.
c. 1375. Sc. Leg. Saints, vi. (Thomas), 94. Vith þat þat servand mad hym ȝare,… þe velvatter for to brynge.
c. 1440. Pallad. on Husb., VIII. 129. For meth,… A sester of vnscomed hony do In sestris vj of welle water cleer.
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., II. xi. 45. They haue none other water to drinke then well water.
1630. Bp. Hall, Occas. Medit., li. 123. All experience teacheth vs that Well-waters arising from deepe springs, are hoter in Winter, then in Summer.
1745. P. Thomas, Jrnn. Anson’s Voy., 164. Well-water is to be found at a small Depth almost in every Part of the Island.
1860. Family Economist, 28 April, 271/1. Some of the well waters of London contain eighty grains of chalk in a gallon.
1911. Mary Johnston, Long Roll, v. 49. Lifting the gourd of well water to his lips.
fig. c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 159. Þe ter þet Mon wepð for laðe of þisse liue is inemned welle water, for he welleð of þe horte swa doð water of welle.
