E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
~ Ask.
The vulgar Ax is the more correct (Saxon, axian, to ask). In assenting to Bills, the king used to reply, “Be it as it is axed.” Chaucer says in the Doctor of Medicine’s Tale, “For my werke nothing will I axe.” Launfal, 1027, has, “Ho that wyll there axsy justus.” Other quotations could easily be added.
