a. Obs. Also 4 suffra(u)nt, 6 sufferaunt, -ent. [a. AF. suffrant, OF. soffrant, pr. pple. of suffrir, soffrir to SUFFER.] Long-suffering, patient.
c. 1330. Spec. Gy Warw., v. 587. Or pine of bodi or shame in londe, Off al þis þu most suffraunt be.
c. 1369. Chaucer, Dethe Blaunche, 1010. So pure suffraunt was hir wytte … Hyt folowed wel she koude goode.
1594. R. Carew, Huarte’s Exam. Wits (1596), To Rdr. If thou be discreet, well compounded and sufferent.
b. absol. One who is patient or long-suffering.
c. 1374. Chaucer, Troylus, IV. 1584. Sle with reson al þis hete; Men seyn þe suffraunt ouercometh.
Hence † Sufferantly adv., ? submissively.
a. 1536. Songs, Carols, etc. (E.E.T.S.), 58. ‘Hayle, holy moder!’… So said owr Savyowr sufferently Vnto the lady.
