Definitions

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  • noun Obsolete spelling of wretch.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Worste of alle, deare Mother, this all-advised wretche doth spend alle his vacant houres in compiling a booke on the art (as he calleth it) of angling, surely a trifling petty wanton taske that will

    Mince Pie Christopher Morley 1923

  • I promise ye, a man that goes a broade, with an intent of trueth, meeting such a bootie may be prouokte to that he neuer meante. what makes so many pilferers and fellons, but such fond baites that foolish people lay: to tempt the needie miserable wretche.

    Sir Thomas More Anonymous 1590

  • Alas, alas, come hether Hodge: this wretche can tell you all.

    Gammer Gurton's Needle Anonymous 1575

  • Thus sholde thou pray thou wretche both day and nyght

    The Ship of Fools, Volume 1 Sebastian Brant 1489

  • I promise ye, a man that go [es] [abroade] with an intent of tr [u] eth, meeting [suc] h a bootie, may be prouokte to t [h] at he neuer tho [u] ght. what makes so man [y] pilferers and fellons, but these fond baite [s] that foolish people lay: to tempte the needie misera [ble] wretche

    Sir Thomas More Anonymous 1590

  • _ So it is, the sexten dyd tell me that | | B iij. | | ther was ones a knyght whiche fleeynge hys enemye, than aprochynge, dyd ride thorow ye wykyte, and than the wretche dispayrynge in hym selffe, apon a soden motion, dyd commend hymselffe to ye blessyd virgyne, whiche was than at hand.

    The Pilgrimage of Pure Devotion Desiderius Erasmus 1502

  • Ah ingrate wretche, is this nowe the rewarde of my loue, of my faithfull seruice, and mine obedience?”

    The Palace of Pleasure, Volume 1 William Painter

  • • that I entertained any fear of their number; fo. 'as thej? wVre naked, unarmed wretche:?!

    The Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe ...: With an Account of His Travels Round Three Parts ... 1790

  • "The cxpoficyon of faynt Auguftynes. rule, after the great clerke and holy faynt Hugh, called," De fancto Viftore, "by the wretche of Syon,

    Typographical antiquities: an historical account of printing in England ... 1790

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