Obs. [OE. þyften, þeften (erron. -an), representing an OTeut. *þuftinī, doubtfully considered to be fem. of *ʓi)þuftô, in OE. ʓeþofta, ON. þópti a bench-fellow (Cf. THOFT); the suffix being -EN2, as in OE. þíwen maidservant, fyxen VIXEN, etc.] A maidservant; a handmaid, female slave.

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a. 1100.  Aldhelm Gloss., I. 2349 (Napier, O. E. Gl.). Uernacula, i. ancilla vel serua, þyftan. Ibid., 2716. Uerna, .i. seruus, þyften.

2

a. 1100.  in Haupt’s Zeitschr., IX. 461/2. Vernacula (gl. servula, ancilla), þeftan.

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a. 1225.  Ancr. R., 4. Þeos riwle nis bute vorto serui þe oðer. Þe oðer is ase lefdi; þeos is ase þuften.

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c. 1230.  Hali Meid., 45. Mi lauerd biseh his þufftenes mekelac.

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