malfei (s.xiii1)
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malfei (s.xiii1)

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[dd]

  FEW: ∅ Gdf: ∅ GdfC: ∅ TL: ∅ DEAF: ∅ DMF: ∅ TLF: ∅ OED: ∅ MED: ∅ DMLBS: ∅
malfoi,  mafoi  

The origins of this word are uncertain. Its forms suggest a variant of malfé ('devil, evil spirit'), although it is unclear how its meaning relates to this etymological family.

s.

1 geog. headland, promontory (?): 
( s.xiii1; MS: s.xiiim )  Iloec se sunt logié chevalier et serjant Que devers le malfei ne criement rien vivant  2305
( s.xiii1; MS: s.xiiim )  Puis s’en retorne l’ost Buiamond al puillant, Tut droit a un malfoi lez une eaue corant  2303
( s.xiii1; MS: s.xiiim )  Au bien matinet vindrent en une pree, En un grant fier mafoi de terre tampenee  2195
This is an AND2 Phase 7 entry (V and A-Z consolidation). © 2025-29 The Anglo-Norman Dictionary. All rights reserved. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council of the United Kingdom.
malfei