Latin for ‘lo!’ or ‘behold!’ Used in phrases like Ecce signum! behold a sign! Also Ecce Homo, ‘Behold the man’ (John xix. 5); hence used subst. for a picture representing Christ wearing the crown of thorns.
1596. Shaks., 1 Hen. IV., II. iv. 187. Ecce signum.
1665. J. Spencer, Prophecies, 46. The many Ecce’s and Selah’s they affix to their prophetick Speeches.
Hence † Ecceity [ad. med.L. ecceitas; see -ITY], the quality of being present.
1549. Chaloner, Erasm. Moriæ Enc., M j a. Innumerable such fine toyes have they … of Instantes … and ecceitees.
1581. J. Bell, Haddon’s Answ. Osor., 56. In Distinctions, eccyties and quiddities, they [the Schoolemen] could many time easely see that thing which was no where at all.
1711. trans. Werenfelsius’ Disc. Logomachys, 101. Hæcceitys, Ecceitys, Petreitys, [etc.].
