gnawen

Middle English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Old English gnagan, from Proto-Germanic *gnaganą.

Pronunciation
  • IPA(key): /ˈɡnau̯ən/, /ˈknau̯ən/

Verb

gnawen

  1. To gnaw; to continually bite or chew (something).
  2. To eat or eliminate something by gnawing.
  3. To impale or wound; to pierce the skin.
  4. To wear; to cause corrosion or wastage.
  5. (rare) To anguish or worry; to cause concern.
  6. (rare) To mock, insult or slight; to speak negatively of.
  7. (rare) To feel anguish, worry, or concern.
  8. (rare) To ruin or ravage.

Usage notes

This verb is occasionally weak in Middle English, but usually remains strong.

Conjugation
Conjugation of gnawen (strong class 6)
infinitive (to) gnawen
indicative present past
1st person singular gnawe gnow, gnew, gnogh
2nd person singular gnawest gnow, gnew, gnogh, *gnewest
3rd person singular gnaweþ, gnaweth, gnaieþ gnow, gnew, gnogh
plural gnawen gnow(en), gnew(en)
subjunctive present past
singular gnawe gnow, gnew, gnogh
plural gnawen gnow(en), gnew(en)
imperative present
singular gnawe
plural gnaweþ, gnaweth
participle present past
gnawende, gnawinge (y)gnawe(n)
Descendants
References
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