Obs. [f. prec. sb.]
1. trans. a. To authorize by example; also, to set forth as an example.
c. 1330. Wyclif, Serm., Sel. Wks. I. 10. Dedis ben nouȝtis þat ben not ensaumplid and wrouȝt by þis fadir.
1393. Gower, Conf., I. 1. Some matere Ensampled of the old wise.
b. To give an example or instance of.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Sel. Wks., III. 512. Ȝif þes newe reules weren [etc.] … [he] shulde have taught hem boþe and ensaumpled, boþe in his lif and spekinge.
1393. Gower, Conf., II. 148. In what maner it is grevous, Right fain I wolde ensample here.
c. 1449. Pecock, Repr., III. vi. 311. Crist ensamplid thilk greet pouerte.
1589. Spenser, F. Q., Pref. Homere … hath ensampled a good governour and a vertuous man. Ibid. (a. 1599), in Farr, S. P. Eliz. (1845), I. 16. He … Ensampled it by this most righteous deede.
2. To give an example to; to instruct by example. Also, to model (something, oneself) by, upon.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Sel. Wks., III. 360. For Cristis lyf was þe beste, þat shulde ensaumple alle oþir.
1393. Gower, Conf., III. 241. Wherof all other … Ensampled hem upon the dede.
1654. Gayton, Pleas. Notes, II. iv. 47. Of him that had the view of the Temple, (for I cannot ensample you in all) take this small account. Ibid., III. iv. 86–7. But if ever he had a true one [sc. sword], it must be made and ensampled by that of Chinons of England.
b. intr. To give an example (to).
c. 1449. Pecock, Repr., II. v. 168. Forto ensaumple to othere men. Ibid., 314. For strengthe of her ensaumpling … tho circumstauncis for which thei so ensampliden.
