holsom

== Middle English == === Alternative forms === holsum halsum, halsumm (Early Middle English) holsome, holsomme, hoolsom, hoolsome (Late Middle English) halesome, halesum, halsom (Northern) === Etymology === Likely either inherited from Old English *hālsum or a calque of Old Norse heilsamr; in either case, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *hailasamaz and equivalent to hol (“whole, healthy”) +‎ -som (“-some”). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈhɔːlsum/, /ˈhɔlsum/ (Northern) IPA(key): /ˈhaːlsum/, /ˈhalsum/ === Adjective === holsom (plural and weak singular holsome) Healthful, salubrious; providing health. Beneficial, advantageous; bestowing gain. late 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Tale of Melibee, The Canterbury Tales, section 15, line 2285: Pleasing, nice; giving enjoyment. ==== Descendants ==== English: wholesome (obsolete holesome) Middle Scots: halsum, hailsum Scots: hailsome, halesome === References === “hōlsǒm, adj.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007.