Middle English edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From Old English tilian, from Proto-Germanic *tilōną. Compare toilen.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈtiljən/, /ˈtilən/

Verb edit

tilyen

  1. To cultivate or ready soil for planting; to till.
  2. To plough soil; to make indentations in it with a plough.
  3. To grow or nurture agricultural produce or any other plant.
  4. To create a conducive environment for; to nurture.
  5. To attempt, labour towards, aim for
  6. To struggle for; labour for; perform work for.
  7. (rare) To open up land for future tilling; to clear land.
  8. (rare) To rid of or eliminate disease or illness.

Conjugation edit

Related terms edit

Descendants edit

  • English: till
  • Scots: tele, teel, teil

References edit