v. Obs. Forms: 1 afandi-an, 2 afandi-en, 3 (south.) afonde, avond, 5 (north.) afaynd. [f. A- pref. 1 intensive + fand-ian to try, to search, causal of find-an to find: see FOND.]
1. trans. To try, make trial of, put to the test, find out by experiment.
c. 1000. O. E. Gosp., Luke xii. 56. Lá liceteras cunne ʓe afandian heofones ansyne & eorþan: humeta na afandiʓe ʓe þas tide?
c. 1160. Hatton Gosp., ibid. La liceteres cunne ʓe afandiʓen heofones ansiene & eorðan. Hu mæte na afandiʓe ʓe þas tide?
c. 1050. Sax. Leechd., I. 375. Þis is afandan læcecræft.
c. 1305. Saints Lives, St. Edw., 12. A kniȝt of Engelond As he was biȝunde see auentoures to afonde.
b. with subord. cl. To try, to attempt.
c. 1470. Henry, Wallace, V. 879. Sotheron wald afaynd With haill power at anys on thaim to sett.
2. To tempt (to evil).
c. 1315. Shoreham, 73. Wyth foule handlynge Other other afondeth.
