Entame

/ɛnˈteɪm/ verb

Definition

An archaic or rare term meaning to tame, domesticate, or bring under control; to make something wild into something manageable.

Etymology

From 'en-' (to cause to be, to make) + 'tame' (domesticated, docile). The prefix converts an adjective into a verb, following Middle English and Old French patterns of creating action words from descriptive words.

Kelly Says

Medieval texts used 'entame' to describe training hawks and hunting dogs—the process of literally transforming wild animals into obedient servants, which took months of patience and was considered both an art and a status symbol.

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