Obs. Forms: 1–2 acenn-an, 2–3 akenn-en. Pa. t. 1–2 ac-, 2–3 akende. Pa. pple. 1–2 acenned, 2–3 akenned, -et. [f. A- pref. 1 forth, out + cenn-an to give birth to: see KEN v.2] To bring forth, to bear. (Most common in pa. pple.)
c. 880. K. Ælfred, Boeth., xxxi. § 1. Swa swa wif acenþ bearn.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Gen. iii. 16. On sarnysse ðu acenst cild.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 227. Þa ðer hire time com hi acennede.
c. 1220. Leg. Kath., 332. He was akennet of Marie, a meiden.
