> as lemmas

c1450 (c1425) Brut (Cambr. Kk.1.12) 378 Þat was hir false purpose..to ouyrryde our meyne..sodeynly yn þe first bront [1480 Caxton at the fyrst brount].

c1515 Ld. Berners tr. Bk. Duke Huon of Burdeux (1882–7) cxiii. 395 At the fyrste brounte the Almaynes were constrayned to recule abacke.

1539 Bible (Great) 2 Kings xvii. f. xliiij/1 Though some of his men be ouerthrowen at the fyrst brunt.

1549 M. Coverdale et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. II. 1 Cor. i. f. vi A doctrine, that at the fyrste brunte seemeth base and folyshe.

1601 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero Worlde 8 If they vpon any attempt do not preuaile at the first brunt; their best course will be, to capitulate with their enemies.

a1676 B. Whitlocke Mem. Eng. Affairs (1682) 521/1 Three of their Ships were wholly disabled at the first brunt.

1693 tr. J. Le Clerc Mem. Count Teckely i. 44 They put them into disorder at the first brunt.

1706 D. Craufurd Mem. Affairs Scotl. 169 When the Earl approach'd, these Gentlemen order'd their Men to Fire upon him smartly, hoping to Discourage his Troops at the first Brunt.

1745 J. Heath tr. L. Goulon Mem. Monsieur Goulon 47 It will not be possible for them at the first brunt to force the double Pallisades yet intire.

1840 Ann. London Homœopathic Dispensary 1 113 Sometimes..the ulceration of the lungs succeeds so rapidly to the softening of a tuberculous mass..that the phthisis begins apparently at the first brunt with the third stage.

1867 J. McCarthy Waterdale Neighbours III. viii. 232 Warton had not up to this moment felt quite assured that Dr. Alwyn—clergyman though he was—might not knock him down at the first brunt of the revelation.

1902 J. Carling Shadow of Czar 141 He flew upon Paul as if purposing to lay him hors de combat at the first brunt.