Obs. [app. first in Spenser; perh. f. EN- + BOSS sb.3 The Sp. embozarse to envelop oneself in a cloak, has also been suggested. Some of the quots. might belong to EMBOSS v.1 in sense ‘decorate.’]
trans. To cover, encase (in armor); to plunge (a weapon) in an enemy’s body. Also fig. in pass. To be ‘wrapped’ (in ease).
1590–6. Spenser, F. Q., I. iii. 24. A knight her mett in mighty armes embost. Ibid., I. xi. 20. The knight his thrillant speare again assayd In his bras-plated body to embosse. Ibid., III. i. 64. None of them rashly durst … in so glorious spoyle themselves embosse. Ibid., VI. iv. 40. Vowing, that never he … would lig in ease embost.
1621. Burton, Anat. Mel., I. ii. III. xv. (1651), 133. A Souldier embossed all in gold [transl. L. præcingitur auro].
