Middle English edit

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈtɛi̯(ə)/, /ˈtiː(ə)/, /ˈteː(ə)/

Etymology 1 edit

Inherited from Old English tēag (cord), from Proto-West Germanic *taugu, from Proto-Germanic *taugō. The final vowel is generalised from the Old English oblique cases.

Alternative forms edit

Noun edit

teye (plural *teyes)

  1. A cord, rope, chain, or fetter.
  2. (nautical) A tye (rope for hoisting or lowering the yard).
Related terms edit
Descendants edit
  • English: tie, tye
  • Scots: tie, tee
References edit

Etymology 2 edit

Inherited from Old English tēag (chest, enclosure), of unclear origin; but possibly ultimately a semantic development of Etymology 1. A connection to Old Norse teigr (plot of land) is semantically attractive, though phonologically difficult.

Alternative forms edit

Noun edit

teye (plural *teyes)

  1. A chest or casket; a strongbox.
  2. (not directly attested) An enclosure (enclosed area)
Descendants edit
References edit

Etymology 3 edit

Verb edit

teye

  1. Alternative form of teyen