also 4 Pa. t. aflight (see prec.). [f. prec., or on analogy of vbs. so formed.]
† 1. trans. To dash down, overthrow, cast down, deject, humble, in mind, body or estate. Obs.
1393. Gower, Conf., I. 327. Cam never yet … to mannes sight Merveille, which so sore aflight A mannes herte.
1611. Bible, Lev. xvi. 29. In the seuenth moneth, on the tenth day of the moneth ye shall afflict your soules.
1667. Milton, P. L., I. 186. And reassembling our afflicted Powers, Consult how we may henceforth most offend Our enemy.
† 2. intr. To become downcast (with trouble). Obs.
1393. Gower, Conf., III. 58. Wherof the kinges herte afflight.
3. Hence, trans. To distress with bodily or mental suffering; to trouble grievously, torment. refl. To distress oneself, grieve.
a. 1535. More, Wks., 1080 (R.). The hope that is differred and delaied, paineth and afflicteth the soule.
1590. Marlowe, Faustus, xiii. 80. I cannot touch his soul But what I may afflict his body with I will attempt.
1594. Shaks., Rich. III., V. iii. 179. O coward Conscience! how dost thou afflict me?
1667. Fairfax, in Phil. Trans., II. 546. She much afflicted her self for the Death of her Father.
1725. De Foe, Voy. round World (1840), 328. They had no cold to afflict them.
1771. Junius Lett., liv. 287. It is their virtues that afflict, it is their vices that console him.
1820. Shelley, Prom. Unbd., I. i. 43. The genii of the storm … afflict me with keen hail.
