v. Obs. 1–3. Forms: 1 arecc(e)an, 2–3 arecche, (areche). Pa. t. arehte, aræhte. Pa. pple. araht, arouȝt. The mod. spelling would be aretch. [OE. aręcc(e)an, f. A- pref. 1 + *ręcc(e)an: see RECCHE. Cf. OHG. arrechen, arrechan. (Very early confused with AREACH, as was the simple recche with reach.)]
1. To explain, expound, declare the meaning of.
c. 885. K. Ælfred, Gregory’s Past., Pref. 7. Swæ ic hie andʓitfullicost areccean meahte.
c. 975. Rushw. Gosp., Matt. xiii. 36. Arecce us þa ʓelicnisse.
c. 1000. Ags. G., Aræce us.
c. 1160. Hatton G., Areche us.
c. 1205. Lay., 28097. Sweuen mid sorȝen arecchen.
c. 1300. MS. Bodl. No. 652. 5 (Halliw.). Josep here sweuen sone haueth arouȝt.
1393. Gower, Conf., II. 188. Crist wroughte first and after taught, So that the dede his word araught.
2. To utter, speak.
c. 1400. Beryn, 3735. Vnneth he myȝt areche O word, for pure anguyssh.
