Obs. Also 4 fayte(n. [? Back-formation from FAITOUR.]
1. intr. To act or speak falsely, use false pretences; to beg on false pretences.
c. 1320. Sir Tristr., 3054. Falsly canestow fayt.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. XV. 208. Alle suche þei faiten. Ibid. (1393), C. I. 43. Faytynge for hure fode.
2. trans. To deceive, lead astray.
c. 1430. Hymns Virg. (1867), 76.
This worlde haþ me in awaite, | |
And biddiþ me quite þat is past; | |
My fleissche in ouerhope wolde me faite, | |
And into wanhope it wolde me caste. |
Hence Faiting vbl. sb., deceit, pretence.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. X. 38. But þo þat feynen hem folis, and with faityng libbeth.