obnubilous

obnubilous

English

Alternative forms

• obnubelous [17th C.]

Etymology

Inherited from the Middle English obnubilous (“indistinct, obscure, muddled”).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ɒbˈnjuːbɪləs/

Adjective

obnubilous (comparative more obnubilous, superlative most obnubilous)

1. (obsolete, rare) Overclouded, cloudy.
   • 1679–1680, William Perse, Journal of his voyage from England to Bantam and back
   • 15th century, unknown translator, Ranulf Higden (original), Polychronicon

     the obnubilous and clowdy processe of this mater y-desirede

Related terms

• obnubilate
• obnubilated
• obnubilation

References

• “† Obnu·bilous, a.” in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (1st edition), volume VII (O, P; 1909), § i (O, ed. James Augustus Henry Murray), page 25/3
• “† obnubilous, adj.” in the Oxford English Dictionary (3rd edition, March 2004)

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Middle English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin obnūbilus.

Adjective

obnūbilŏus

1. indistinct, obscure
   • 1432–50, an anonymous translator, Ranulphus, Monke of Chestre, compilede this presente Werke and Cronicle. in Polychronicon Ranulphi Higden monachi Cestrensis, volume I (1865), ed. Churchill Babington, book i: “The Firste Prolog bigynnethe here in to þis Story of mony Cronicles.”, § 7 (page 9):

     Attendenge the intricacion inextricable of this labor presente as of the mase of Dedalinus [y] am preyede to attempte hit withowte drede; aduertenge ofte tymes slawthe to mete men thenkenge grete thynges, and the insufficience of my wytte, and the obnubilous and clowdy processe of this mater y-desirede, perauenture men in these dayes attendenge but litelle the obsequy of deuocion as thei be wonte, scholde take disdeyne of this liȝhte meyte.

     (please add an English translation of this quote)

Descendants

• English: obnubilous

References

• “obnūbilŏus” in the Middle English Dictionary (1954–2001)