Reconstruction:Middle English/ban

This Middle English entry contains reconstructed terms and roots. As such, the term(s) in this entry are not directly attested, but are hypothesized to have existed based on comparative evidence.

Middle English

Etymology

Of unknown origin. Possibly onomatopoeic. Compare English mwa, mwah (“the sound made by a kiss”). Compare also Old French baisier (“to kiss”).

Verb

*bān

1. (transitive) To kiss.
   • Geoffrey Chaucer, The Tale of the Wyf of Bathe

     Com neer, my spouse, lat me ba thy cheke!

See also

• bā