Bosworth Toller's

Anglo-Saxon

Dictionary online

CÁF

  • adjective
Dictionary links
Grammar
CÁF, comp, ra, re; sup. est, ost; adj.
Quick, sharp, prompt, nimble, swift; acer, celer, præceps
Show examples
  • Ðá geseah Iohannes sumne cniht swíðe glæd on móde and on anginne cáf

    there John saw a certain youth very cheerful in mind and quick in design,

      Ælfc. T. 33, 17: R. Ben. 7: Fulg. 9.
  • Cáf

    præceps,

      Glos. Prudent. Recd. 143, 32.
  • Hét ðá hǽleða hleó healdan ða bricge wígan wígheardne cáfne

    then the defence [the chief] of the soldiers commanded a warrior, hardy in battle and nimble, to defend the bridge,

      Byrht. Th. 133, 66; By. 76.
  • Ðæt hí sceoldon beón cáfe [MS. caue] to Godes willan

    that they might be prompt for God's will,

      Homl. Th. ii. 44, 31.
  • Sume earniaþ ðæt hie síen ðý cáfran

    some merit that they may be the more nimble,

      Bt. 34, 7; Fox 144, 8.
Etymology
[R. Brun. kof boisterous: Relq. Ant. W. i. 212, 8, cof: Orm. kafe bold: O. Nrs. á-kafr promptus, velox.]
Derived forms
DER. beadu-cáf.
Similar entries
v. cífan.
Full form

Word-wheel

  • CÁF, adj.