v. Obs. For forms see WREAK v. [OE. awrecan, f. A- pref. 1 + wrecan to WREAK.]
1. trans. To punish or take vengeance upon (an offence, misdeed).
1048. O. E. Chron. (Laud MS.), 3. Hu hi mihton þæs cynges bismer awrecan.
a. 1230. Ancr. R., 334. Gif þu … holdest God to nesche uorto awreken sunne.
1340. Ayenb., 83. Errour in batayle … is anon awreke.
1481. Caxton, Reynard (1844), 75. I shal awreke … this trespace.
2. trans. a. To sentence to punishment, condemn (a person). b. To condemn, blame, find fault with.
c. 1205. Lay., 25194. Þat ilke þat Howel haf[eð] ispeken, ne sal hit na man awreken, ah we hit scullen ilæsten.
a. 1300. Floriz & Bl., 661. Are hi beo to diþe awreke.
3. To avenge or revenge: a. refl. oneself; b. trans. one’s aggrieved feelings (of).
c. 930. Laws of Athelstan, I. 20 (Bosw.). Gif hine hwá awrecan wille.
a. 1230. Ancr. R., 334. Bihold hu he awrec him of his heih engel.
1575. Gammer Gurton, IV. ii. And sware … he would awreake his sorrowe.
c. trans. To avenge another person. d. pass. To be avenged or revenged (of).
a. 1300. Floriz & Bl., 658. A-wrekeþ me wiþ Jugement.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. VI. 204. For I am wel awroke now of wastoures þoru þi myȝte.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Miller’s T., 566. Me were lever than alle this toun … Of this dispit awroken for to be.
c. 1430. Syr Gener., 1272. Glad woman shal I neuer be Til ye graunt to a-wreke me.
1586. J. Hooker, Girald. Irel., in Holinsh., II. 31/1. And she to be awreaked, did … find the means to find out this Rosamund.
