Obs. Also 4 entamy, 5 enteme. [a. Fr. entame-r = atamer: see ATTAME.]
1. trans. To make a cut into, wound. Also fig.
c. 1330. R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 12387. He … entamed boþe his bryn.
c. 1380. Sir Ferumb., 3699. Þe helm was so hard y-wroȝt, þat he miȝt entamy him noȝt, Wyþ no dynt of swerde.
1393. Gower, Conf., I. 66. If thou thy conscience Entamed hast in such a wise.
a. 1400[?]. Morte Arth., 1160. They fande no flesche entamede.
1480. Caxton, Ovid’s Met., XII. xii. Loves of bred hole & entamed. Ibid. (1490), Eneydos, iv. 18. The whiche trees soo cutte and entamed.
2. To make the first cut in. Hence fig. To open (a discussion, conversation, etc.). Cf. F. entamer.
1475. Caxton, Jason, 90. She entemed and began to opene her mater in this wyse. Ibid. (1483), Gold. Leg., 110/3. Whyche of them bothe shold entame or bygynne to take of the breed.
c. 1500. Melusine, 299. He had not entamed nor shewed the matere to no man.
