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Webster 1913 Edition


Payndemain

Paynˊde-main′

,
Noun.
[OF.
pain
bread +
demaine
manorial, lordly, own, private. See
Payn
, and
Demesne
. Said to be so called from the figure of our Lord impressed upon it.]
The finest and whitest bread made in the Middle Ages; – called also
paynemain
,
payman
.
[Obs.]

Definition 2024


payndemain

payndemain

English

Noun

payndemain (uncountable)

  1. A high-quality white bread, baked from the finest sifted flour, suitable for the lord of the manor.
    • 1996, A. R. Myers, English Historical Documents 1327-1485‎, p. 702:
      And for the milling of one quarter of wheat, 4d. And for payndemain [fine bread] bought, 5d.
    • 1914, Charles Sears Baldwin (quoting Geoffrey Chaucer, An Introduction to English Medieval Literature‎, p. 215:
      Sir Thopas wex a doghty swayn.
      Whyt was his face as payndemain,
      His lippes rede as rose.
      His rode is lyk scarlet in grayn,
      And I yow telle in good certayn
      He hadde a semely nose.

Alternative forms