holsom

Middle English

Alternative forms

• hoolsom, holsome, halesome, hoolsome

Adjective

holsom

1. wholesome
   • late 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Tale of Melibee, The Canterbury Tales, section 15, line 2285:

     ‘And ther-as ye blamen alle wommen and hir resouns, I shal shewe yow by manye ensamples that many a womman hath ben ful good, and yet been; and hir conseils ful hoolsome and profitable.’

     ‘And whereas you blame all women and their reasons, I shall show you by many examples that many a woman has been very good, and yet are, and their advices very wholesome and beneficial.’

Descendants

• English: holesome, wholesome
• Scots: halsum, hailsome