Obs. [Etymol. uncertain: it has been conjectured to be identical with the next vb.; also, to be a by-form of KILL, in southern ME. cüllen; but there are difficulties.] a. To cut off (e.g., the head). b. To ‘cut off,’ kill, slay.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 2754 (Cott.). Þi rightwisnes may not thole For þe wike þat þou þe dught cole. Ibid., 3135. He wald leuer his child cole [v.r. spille] þan of his lauerd wrath to thole. Ibid., 11862. Ne mai na liueand man it [þe stinck] thole, And þar-wit he dos his leche cole. Ibid., 13175. A sargant sent he to Iaiole And iohan hefd comanded to cole.
