[f. WARN v.1 (The OE. wearn refusal, is a different word: see WARN v.2).]
† 1. An intimation or notice of something as about to happen. Obs.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 11133. He fand wit-vten oþer warn Þat þis leuedi was wit barn.
c. 1400. Cato’s Morals, 264, in Cursor M., App. IV. 1672. Hope ay of gode hap to come wiþ a gode clap wiþ-out ani warne.
2. poet. Warning.
a. 1851. Moir, Poet. Wks., II. 283. The moat o’erpassed, at warn of bell, Down thundering the portcullis fell.
† 3. Comb. (perh. f. the stem of WARN v.1): warn-word, a word of warning.
1603. [Parsons] title, The Warn-word to Sir Francis Hastinges Wast-word.
1624. Bp. Sanderson, Serm. ad Pop. v. (1681), I. 241. The whole Chapter is none other but a warn-word against unthankfulness.
