Obs. exc. dial. Forms: 1 arʓian, earʓian, 2 erȝian, 3–4 arȝe(n, 4–5 argh(e. Sc. 8–9 ergh. [f. prec.]
1. To be disheartened, timid, fearful, loath; to hesitate from timidity. (Still in Sc.)
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 13. Þet eower heorte erȝian swiðe and eower feond strongian.
c. 1325. E. E. Allit. P., B. 713. Þenne arȝed Abraham, & alle his mod chaunged.
c. 1400. Destr. Troy, V. 1976. Antenor arghet with austerne wordes.
1728. Ramsay, Gentle Sheph., III. iii. Dear Jenny, I wad speak … and yet I ergh.
† 2. impers., Me arghes: I am afraid. Obs.
c. 1340. Alex. (Stevenson), 19. Me arȝes of my selfe, I am alle in aunter.
† 3. trans. To daunt, frighten. Obs.
c. 1325. E. E. Allit. P., B. 572. In þe anger of his ire þat arȝed monye.
1393. Langl., P. Pl., C. IV. 237. Ac þow þy-self … Hast arwed meny hardy men · that hadden wil to fyghte.
c. 1400. Sir Perc., 69. That arghede alle that ther ware, Bothe the lesse and the mare.
