certeyn

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Old French certain, from Latin *certānus.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /sɛrˈtæi̯n/, /ˈsɛrtin/

Adjective

certeyn

  1. Specified, prescribed, fixed.
  2. Certain, particular (of a quantity or amount).
  3. Real, true, verified, credulous, reliable.
    • c. 1368, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Book of the Duchess, as recorded c. 1440–1450 in Bodleian Library MS. Fairfax 16, folio 131r:
      Sende me grace to slepe and mete / In my slepe some certeyn sweven / Wher thorgh that I may knowe even / Whethir my lorde be quyke or ded
      Send me grace to sleep and dream / Some trustworthy dream in my sleep / Through which I might know exactly / Whether my lord is alive or dead.
  4. Definite, probable (of an event or action).
  5. Sure, certain.

Derived terms

Descendants

  • English: certain
  • Scots: certain

References

Noun

certeyn

  1. A specified or particular amount or object.
  2. Reality, nature; that which is certain.
  3. Certainty, surety, trust.

References

Adverb

certeyn

  1. certainly, surely
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