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.
Belive, Belif(e, adv. Also: beliff. [ME. belive (and blive), bilive, belif(e, bilife, f. be, bi, Be prep., live, life. dat. of lif Life n. More frequently written with y for i; see Belyve.] With speed, quickly, immediately, at once.(a) 1375 Barb. x. 238.
Thai that war within the wayn Lap out belif Ib. xvii. 30.
As he thoucht, he did beliff c1420 Wynt. vii. 3275 (C).
Thare thai suld meit him than belif a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 369.
Than the ledis belife the lokkis vnlaissis 1513 Doug. i. iii. i (R).
Belife Eneas membris schuke for cauld 1533 Bell. Livy II. 82/22.
Belife war the ensenȝeis brocht out of the tressoure hous(b) 1513 Doug. ii. viii. 48.
Doun belive we tumbil it al atanys 1533 Bell. Livy I. 127/8.
Belive the abhominabil dede … is divulgate c1550 Rolland C. Venus i. 758.
Thay wald not gif ane sentence sone beliue 1567 Sat. P. iii. 131.
The tyme will cum beliue, That God [etc.] 1587-99 Hume iii. 224.
The beastes beliue Are turned fra the corne
