begynn

Begynn is a historical spelling variant of the English verb begin, attested in Middle English texts. It is not a separate lexical item with its own meaning, but an orthographic form reflecting medieval scribal practices.

Etymology and form: Begynn stems from the Old English verb beginnan, formed with the prefix be- plus the root ginnan, meaning to begin. The spelling with -ynn- and the use of y to represent a vowel illustrate common Middle English conventions and regional variation before standardization of the language.

Historical usage: Begynn appears in a range of Middle English manuscripts and early printed works, typically in the infinitive or citation forms. It coexisted with other spellings such as begynnen or begynnen, and gradually yielded to the modern form begin as orthographic conventions shifted during the Early Modern English period.

Orthography and legacy: The existence of begynn highlights the fluid and regionally diverse nature of English spelling prior to standardization. It demonstrates how scribes adapted phonetic and visual cues to convey pronunciation, prior to the convergence on standardized spelling in later centuries.

See also: Middle English orthography, Old English beginnan, English language history.