In 4–5 berlep(e, bere lepe, 7 beer-lip. [f. ME. ber-en to BEAR + LEAP basket.] A carrying basket.
1325–40. Hampole, Psalm lxxx. 6. His hend seruyd in berlepe, v.r. bere lepe [in cophino]. that is a vessel in the whilke the iwes bare mortere in egipt.
c. 1375. Wyclif, Serm., Sel. Wks. I. 17. Þei gedriden seven berlepis of relief þat was left [Wyclif Mark viii. 8 has lepis, leepis].
1677. Plot, Oxfordsh., 256. They draw a Cubb or Beerlip … up the middle of the mow or stack, and through the hole, that this leaves, the heat will ascend, and so prevent mow-burning.
Cf. also the following:
c. 1440. Medulla Gramm., Sporta, a berynge lep.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., Barlylepe, to kepe yn corne, Camera [1499 Pynson’s ed. has here Barlep; also elsewhere Beringe lepe Canistra].
1500. Ortus Vocab., Sporta, a bere lepe or basket.
c. 1485. Digby Myst. (1882), II. 645. In a beryng baskett or a lepe.
