foison noun. ['fɔɪz(ǝ)n] ME.
[Old & mod. French from Proto-Romance from Latin fusio(n-) outpouring: see FUSION, PROFUSION.]
A. noun.
1. A plentiful supply, an abundance, (of); esp. a plentiful harvest. Formerly also (in pl.), abundant resources. arch. ME.
■ R. W. Hamilton We anticipate the foison of an unknown husbandry.
■ J. R. Lowell He has a perennial foison of sappiness.

2. Inherent vigour, strength, or vitality. Now chiefly Scot. ME.
■ Henry Smith Such a foison hath your alms that..it increases, like the widow's meal.

3. Sustaining power; nutriment. Now Scot. & dial. LME.
■ J. Gee The Liturgie..is but dry meat, and hath no foison in it.
b. verb trans. Supply generously (with). Long arch. LME.
Maclean's Magazine Mr. Boyczuk won ribbons for his tray foisoned with grapes and apples.

■ foisonless adjective (chiefly Scot.) (a) lacking strength, weak, exhausted; (b) not nutritious: E18.

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