Early English

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adjective

pertaining to the first style of Gothic architecture in England, ending in the latter half of the 13th century, characterized by the use of lancet arches, plate tracery, and narrow openings.

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Origin of Early English

First recorded in 1800–10

Words nearby Early English

early bird, early bird catches the worm, early blight, Early Christian, early closing, Early English, Early Hebrew, Early Modern English, early music, early on, early purple orchid

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Early English in a sentence

The arches escaped, and are splendid specimens of Early English, "of the Pointed style in all the purity of its first period."
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Carlisle|C. King Eley
These piers support the Early English arches, with dog-tooth ornament large in the interior, small in the exterior.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Carlisle|C. King Eley
It is of Early English date; and before 1292 was situated within the choir.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Carlisle|C. King Eley
The decorations of the capitals of the Early English columns are not so elaborate as those in the north choir aisle.
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Carlisle|C. King Eley

Chancel and south transept are Early English, and the south doorway very excellent Norman.
The Cornwall Coast|Arthur L. Salmon

British Dictionary definitions for Early English

Early English

noun

a style of architecture used in England in the 12th and 13th centuries, characterized by lancet arches, narrow openings, and plate tracery

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012