v. Obs. Forms: 4 enfeblesch, -ish, 5 -yssh, 6–7 enfeeblish. [a. OF. enfebliss-, lengthened stem of enfeblir: see ENFEEBLE.] a. intr. To become or grow feeble. b. trans. To make feeble, enfeeble.

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1382.  Wyclif, Ex. xxii. 14. Who of his neiȝbore eny thing of thes askith to borwe, and it were enfeblished or deed … he shal be compellid to ȝeeld.

2

a. 1400[?].  Morte Arth., 2484. The Fraunche-mene enfeblesches, ne farly me thynkkys!

3

1491.  Caxton, Vitas Patr. (W. de W., 1495), III. xliii. 329 b/1. He was thus enfeblysshed in his membres.

4

1576.  Newton, Lemnie’s Complex. (1633), 131. Manly strength, by immoderate heat, is resolved and enfeeblished.

5

  Hence † Enfeeblishing vbl. sb.

6

1626.  W. Sclater, Expos. 2 Thess. (1629), 91. Vndergoing so many, so continuall mutations, and … enfeeblishings.

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