Forpined

/fərˈpaɪnd/ adjective

Definition

Archaic or dialect term meaning wasted away, emaciated, or worn out from suffering or longing; exhausted by sorrow.

Etymology

Past tense or adjectival form of forpine, from Old English for- + pined. Used primarily in Middle English literature to describe characters consumed by grief or unrequited love.

Kelly Says

Chaucer and medieval poets used 'forpined' to describe lovers who were literally wasting away—it was their dramatic way of saying heartbreak could kill you, and the word sounds as sad as its meaning.

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