A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Abill, Able, adv. [Adverbial use of the adj.]
1. Ably, easily.c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 697.
That the Gregeois … more able [L. habilius] myght mak to ded The Troyiens
2. Perhaps, possibly. Cf. Ablens.1492 Myll Spect. Asl. MS. I. 281/16.
Mony ane can nocht be ware thairby, quhilk … abill sall do full grete harme to thame a1500 Bk. Chess 2097.
Scho was corruptit sone; Richt so ar abill vther women done 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 242.
The hartis of them that able hes bene offendit may be molifiet 1573 Sat. P. xlii. 137.
Schir, say on, And I sall abill answer mak a1605 Montg. Flyt. 467.
Then sall they giue thee to the deuill, Able ofter nor anes 1596 Dalr. I. 181/32; etc.
He thocht that able the king … mycht eftirward accepte it as ane oracle
