In 4 lange, 7 lang. [Fr.]
† 1. A tongue or language. Obs. rare.
c. 1330. R. Brunne, Chron. Wace (Rolls), 125. And þerfore for þe comonalte Þat blythely wild listen to me, On lighte lange I it began.
1388. Wyclif, Gen. xi. 1. The lond was of o langage [2 MSS. lange]. Ibid., Esther i. 22. In dyuerse langagis [MS. C. langis] and lettris.
c. 1665. R. Carpenter, Pragm. Jesuit, Epil. 66. If your lang be scanty, Th’ Italian Tongue welcoms you tuttie quanti.
2. = LANGUAGE sb. 5 b.
1799. Nelson, in Nicolas, Disp. (1845), III. 313. If it is in my power, you shall be elected a Chevalier of the Order. I find the Russian Langue has the privilege of admitting married men.
1802. Naval Chron., VIII. 124. There shall be no English nor French Langues.
1888. Ch. Times, 13 July, 613. There is no reason why each nation or langue should not maintain at Rome a sort of embassy, with its chapel at St. Peter’s.
