signifiaunce

English

Noun

signifiaunce

1. Alternative form of signifiance

Middle English

FWOTD – 12 July 2023

Alternative forms

• signefiance, signifiance, signifiauns, signifyaunce, signyfiaunce, sygnyfyaunce, syngnefiaunce, syngnefyaunce

Etymology

Borrowed from Old French signifiance, a learned alteration of senefiance, a semi-learned borrowing of Latin significantia; equivalent to signifien +‎ -aunce. Doublet of significaunce.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /si(n)ɡˌnifiˈa(u̯)ns(ə)/, /si(n)ɡˈnifia(u̯)ns(ə)/, /ˈsi(n)ɡniˌfiːa(u̯)ns(ə)/, /sinji-/

Noun

signifiaunce (uncountable)

1. An omen; a portentous event or symbol.

   Synonym: significaunce

2. The meaning or significance of an omen or event.

   Synonym: significaunce

3. (rare) The definition or meaning of a word.

   Synonym: significaunce

4. (rare) A sign or emblem; a distinguishing symbol.
5. (rare) An indication; a distinguishing behaviour.

Descendants

• English: signifiance (obsolete)
• Middle Scots: signifiance

References

• “signifiaunce, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007.