The forms “babe” and “baby” are traced to Gower and Langland in the 14th century. (N.E.D.) “Babe” is exclusively used in the A.V., but is uncommon in England now.
1798. Donations received at the Tents near Schuylkill, for the use of the poor. Two bundles new babe clothes.… sixty-six pieces of new babe clothes.—Gazette of the U.S., Oct. 18 (Phila.).
1802. Kiss the dear little babe for me.—H. W. Foster, ‘The Coquette,’ p. 103 (Charlestown, Mass.).
1803. She had a babe in her arms, which sustained no other injury than having its hair a little burnt.—Mass. Spy, July 20.
1816. She was entombed with a babe in her arms.—Id., Jan. 24.
1822. She left our dear babe, wrapped in my great coat, in the snow.—Id., Jan. 9.
1829. She was seated near the fire, with the babe in her arms, when she was seized with a fit.—Id., Feb. 25: from The Knoxville Register.
1842. With difficulty Mrs. Blake wrapt her two babes in thick mantles, and escaped from the devouring element.—‘Lowell Offering,’ iii. 23.
