[Bards] Is "dumb" period?

[John Hirling]

According to http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary (Merriam Webster
Collegiate Dictionary), dumb originated before the 12th c and apparently
carried all the nuances of meaning present today.  However, I would not
consider that the best evidence.  I'd prefer to rely on the OED.  Alas,
I cannot afford a subscription.
--ihon

kovac myklos wrote:

>[ Converted text/html to text/plain ]
>I'm currently working on an original song and I want it to be somewhat period,
>so I was wondering if anyone could answer this question.
>
>In late period usage (late 16th centaury) was the word "dumb" used to refer to
>someone that was silly or dim-witted, or was it only used to mean mute?  If
>not, what would be a good, one-syllable period alternative.  The sentance
>reads, "... His dumb brother"
>
>I am going to try to find the word used in a primary source for my
>documentation, but if anyone knows the answer to my question already, I would
>appreciate the advice.
>
>Lyrically yours,
>
>Kovac Miklos
>
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