representing OE. -sum, = OFris. -sum, related by ablaut to OS. and OHG. -sam (G. -sam, Du. -zaam), ON. -samr (Sw. -sam, Da. -som), Goth. -sams, used in OE. to form adjs. from nouns and adjs., as friðsum peaceful, ʓenyhtsum abundant, ánsum whole, langsum lasting, rarely from verbs, as hýrsum, héarsum obedient. A few of the OE. formations survived in early ME., but only two or three are now in use, as longsome, lovesome, winsome. In ME. a number of new examples appear, some of which soon became obsolete, as beisome, folȝsome, friendsome, lustsome, wlatsome, while others (chiefly dating from the 14th century) have remained current, as cumbersome, fulsome, gamesome, gladsome, handsome, lightsome, loathsome, noisome, wholesome. The early ME. buhsum, buxum is now represented by buxom, in which the suffix is disguised. In the 16th century appear awesome, brightsome, darksome, healthsome, heartsome, quarrelsome, and the unusual formation timorsome. Of later date are adventuresome, bothersome, fearsome, frightsome, lonesome, plaguesome, etc., and various nonce-formations as clipsome, cuddlesome, dabblesome, divertsome, some of which have a passive, others an active, sense.
