Obs. rare. [f. prec.]

1

  1.  trans. To rescue or deliver; = WREAK v. 5 d.

2

c. 1330.  R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 16076. Þat bischop cam, his folk to preche, Þer Cristendam fro Paen wreche [v.r. to reche].

3

  2.  refl. To avenge (oneself).

4

1398.  Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XVIII. vii. (Bodl. MS.). Þe bore … takeþ herte and strengþe to wreche hym of his adversarye wiþ his tuskes.

5

  3.  To give effect to (wrath, etc.); = WREAK v. 3.

6

c. 1420.  Lydg., Ballad Commend. Our Lady, 41. Or þe wycked fend his wrath up on us wreche [rhyme leche].

7

  Hence † Wrecher, an avenger (of some wrong).

8

a. 1325.  Prose Psalter, viii. 3. Þat þou destruye þe enemy and þe wrecher [L. ultorem] of Adam sinne.

9