foison

American  

[foi-zuhn] / ˈfɔɪ zən /

noun

Archaic.

1. abundance; plenty.

2. abundant harvest.

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foison British  

/ ˈfɔɪzən /

noun

1. archaic a plentiful supply or yield

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Etymology

Origin of foison

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English foisoun, from Middle French foison, from Vulgar Latin fusiō (stem fusiōn- ), from Latin fūsiō (stem fūsiōn- ) “an outpouring, effusion”; see fusion

Example Sentences

When we were come to Cyprus," says Joinville, Histoire de Saint Louis, §§ 72, 73, "we found there greate foison of the Kynge's purveyance.

From Man and Nature or, Physical Geography as Modified by Human Action by Marsh, George P.

So arise, Squire, and take the hounds and come with me; for not far off is a little thicket which mostly harbours foison of deer, great and small. 

From Wood Beyond the World by Morris, William

I have foison of this year's fleeces with me.

From The Well at the World's End: a tale by Morris, William

Earth's increase, foison plenty, Barns and gamers never empty; Vines with clust'ring bunches growing; Plants with goodly burden bowing; Spring come to you at the farthest, In the very end of harvest!

From The Tempest by Shakespeare, William

And it is almost needless to say that in both subjects for novel treatment "foison," as both French and English would have said in their time.

From A History of the French Novel, Vol. 1 From the Beginning to 1800 by Saintsbury, George