Obs. or dial. Forms: 1 afǽr-an, 2 afæren, 2–3 afer-en, 3–6 afer-e, affer-e, 6 affeare. [f. A- pref. 1 intensive + fǽr-an to frighten: see FEAR. For the late spelling af-fear see AF- 2. The vb. either in its full form, or aphetized to ’fear, is still common in the dialects: see also AFEARD.]
To frighten, terrify or make afraid.
a. 1000. Ags. Metr. Ps. lxxxix. 10. Þæt heo [the spider] afære fleóʓan on nette.
1205. Layamon, 25554. Þene king hit a-uerde [later text a-ferde].
1297. R. Glouc., 22. Þat folc forte a-fere.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. XVIII. 430. And it [i.e., the cross] a-fereth the fende.
c. 1380. Sir Ferumb., 742. Þou ne afferest me noȝt so!
1413. Lydg., Pylgr. Sowle, IV. xxx. (1483), 80. Hornes or grennyng teeth to aferen fooles.
1496. Dives & Pauper (W. de Worde), V. xix. 222. Clerkes may bere wepen … to afere theues.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., II. iii. 20. And ghastly bug does greatly them affeare.
