I. ˈiŋ-glish, ˈiŋ-lish adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English englisc, from Engle (plural) Angles
Date: before 12th century
: of, relating to, or characteristic of England, the English people, or the English language
• En·glish·ness noun
II. noun
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : the language of the people of England and the United States and many areas now or formerly under British control
b. : a particular variety of English distinguished by peculiarities (as of pronunciation)
c. : English language, literature, or composition when a subject of study
2. plural in construction : the people of England
3.
a. : an English translation
b. : idiomatic or intelligible English
4. : spin around the vertical axis deliberately imparted to a ball that is driven or rolled — compare draw , follow , body English
III. transitive verb
Date: 14th century
1. : to translate into English
2. : to adopt into English : anglicize