v. Obs. [f. OF. espris, pa. pple. of esprendre (mod.F. éprendre) in same sense, f. es-:—L. ex- + prendre to take.] trans. chiefly pass. To set on fire, enkindle, inflame (with love, etc.); also lit. (with flame).
1474. Caxton, Chesse, II. ii. (1860), B. vij. She was esprysed and taken with his loue. Ibid. (1483), Gold. Leg., 29/2. Whiche thyng the holy ghoost maketh whan he espriseth hym of hys love. Ibid. (1491), Vitas Patr. (W. de W., 1495), II. 206 b 2. The faces of the other semed as they had be esprysed with a dredefull flamme.
1567. Drant, Horace’ Epist., XV. E vj. Wyne that will make my paramour Esprysed on my face.
b. To kindle (a passion).
1490. Caxton, Eneydos, xiv. (1890), 50. The grete furour enflammed wyth brennyng desire of loue esprysed wythin her sinewes.
