Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BADLY, adj. Mostly used of health, meaning ill, in a state or condition of ill health, ailing. Gen.Sc.; sometimes used for the preliminary symptoms of ill health, Wgt. (A.W. in E.D.D.). Common in provincial Eng.Sc. 1766 Faculty Decisions IV. 81:
As I am taken badly, and know not but it may be death.Sc. 1787 J. Beattie Scoticisms 15:
I have been badly for some time — Ill, sickly, in bad health, valetudinary. [Also given by Mitchell Scotticisms (1799) 22.]Gsw. 1922 J. J. Bell The Pie in the Oven (Repertory Plays) 20–21:
John. Weel, what was the question aboot, Maister Duff? Peter. Aw, aboot — aboot that coo o' yours that was badly.Gall.(D) 1901 Trotter Gall. Gossip 7:
Anither doctor had set up again him the time he wus badly.e.Dmf.² 1917:
Ill is little used of health, its place being taken by badly.