Obs. Also 4–6 bel(l)syre, 5 beelesire, 6 belsier. [f. BEL + SIRE: cf. beldame, belfader. The components are the same as in beausire, with which, however, this has no connection, being of Eng. formation.] A grandfather; an ancestor.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. IX. 142. Here abouȝte þe barne þe belsyres gultes.
1483. Cath. Angl., 27/1. Bellsyre, anus.
1494. Fabyan, VII. ccxxvii. 256. The sone here lyeth with also the fader, The belsyre, for & ye great graundfader.
1530. Palsgr., 197/2. Belsyre, grant pere.
1573. Twyne, Æneid., XII. Mm iij. Antique names of noble Belsiers old.
1612. Drayton, Poly-olb., xiv. 233. When he his long descent shall from his Bel-sires bring.
a. 1637. Weever, Anc. Fun. Mon., 615. The great Belsire, the Grandsire, Sire, and Sonne Lie here interred vnder this Grauestone.
