Obs. rare. In 3 steorve. [OE. steorfa wk. masc., related to steorfan STARVE v. Cf. OS. man-sterðo pestilence.] Pestilence, mortality; also a pestilent being (applied to the devil).
a. 1023. Wulfstan, Hom., xiii. (1883), 86. Eac sceal aspringan wide and side … stric and steorfa and fela unʓelimpa.
c. 1175. Lamb. Hom., 13. Stala and steorfa swiðe eow scal hene.
a. 1225. Juliana, 49. & stondinde o þe steorue nom hire ahne bondes & bigon to beaten þen belial of helle.
a. 1225. St. Marher., 12. Stute nu earme steorue ant swic nuðe lanhure swikele swarte deouel þat tu ne derue me na mare.
