Obs. Forms: 1 irnan, pa. t. arn, 4–5 erne(n, -yn, 5 eerne. [ME. ernen, OE. irnan, by metathesis for rinnan to run.] intr. To run. Of water, a river: To flow.
c. 893. K. Ælfred, Oros., I. i. § 8. Seo ea Danai irnð þonan suðryhte.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Gen. xviii. 7. He arn him sylf to his hryðera falde.
c. 1300. K. Alis., 5003. Every wilde dere astore, Hy mowen by cours ernen tofore.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. XIX. 376. Water for wikked werkes Egerlich ernynge out of mennes yeen.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 142. Ernyn, as horse [MS. P. eerne], cursito.
a. 1600. in Pinkerton, Anc. Scott. Poems (1786), II. 217 (Jam.).
| Nor hare, befoir the ernand grewhound’s face, | |
| With speid is careit so. |
Ern, obs. form of are: see BE v.
Ern, dial. form of IRON.
