v. Obs. Forms: 4–6 eschew(e, escheve, (4 escheffe, 6 esschef). [a. OF. escheve-r, corrupt form of achever: see ACHIEVE.]

1

  1.  trans. To bring to a successful issue, accomplish; = ACHIEVE 1.

2

1375.  Barbour, Bruce, III. 283. Gret thingis eschewyt he [Cesar], As men may in his story se.

3

c. 1500.  Lancelot, 2229. Aduentur is non so gret to pref … nor ȝhe sal it esschef.

4

a. 1533.  Ld. Berners, Huon, xx. 57. God ayde you to eschew & to fornyshe thys grete besynes.

5

  2.  To succeed in gaining; to gain; = ACHIEVE 5 a.

6

1520.  Calisto & Melibæa, in Hazl., Dodsley, I. 77. To enjoy your youth … For that time pleasures are most escheved.

7

  3.  intr. To gain one’s end; const. of or simply; = ACHIEVE 6.

8

c. 1375.  Sc. Leg. Saints, Mathou, 321. To sanct mathow son went he, Wenand be hym wele til eschewe. Ibid., Eugenia, 533. He had eschewit of his wil, Or ony helpe had cumyne hir til.

9

a. 1400[?].  Morte Arth., 2301. Lappede them in lede, lesse that they schulde Chawnge or chawffe, ȝif þay myghte escheffe.

10