v. Obs. Pa. t. -gnew. Pa. pple. -gnowe(n). [ME., f. TO-2 + gnawen, gnaȝen to GNAW; = MHG., Ger. zernagen.] trans. To gnaw to pieces; to gnaw away.
13[?]. K. Alis., 4629. No let none houndes me to-gnawe [Bodl. MS. todrawe]. Ibid., 6119. And they al day heore flesch to-gnowe.
c. 1305. St. Kath., 248, in E. E. P. (1862), 96. Hi nome kene hokes of ire and hire flesche to-gnowe.
c. 1340. Richard Rolle of Hampole, Prick of Conscience, 863. Wormes þan sal it al to-gnaw.
14[?]. Sir Beues (M.), 2174. Into the caue cam lyons two, anone they hym slewe And hym and his hors al to-gnewe.