| 释义 |
† ˈtrueman Obs.
Forms: see true a.
[The phr. true man written as one word; cf. oldman, old man 1.]
A faithful or trusty man; an honest man (as distinguished from a thief or other criminal).
1297R. Glouc. (Rolls) 7274 Ac þe gode trywemen of þe lond wolde abbe ymad king..edgar aþeling. 1303R. Brunne Handl. Synne 1337 Þys fals men..Þat, for hate, a trewman wyl endyte, And a þefe for syluer quyte. c1400Destr. Troy 11157 Wacchemen for to wale, wacches to kepe, Of trewmen in towres, for treason of other. 1583B. Melbancke Philotimus Y ij, Thou art like a Thiefe, that thinkes euerye Tree a trueman. 1647A. Ross Myst. Poet. xiii. (1675) 326 Thieves..use to stand nearer the Altar of Occasion, than True-men many times do. |