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.
Bitterly, Bittirly, adv. Also: bitterlie. [ME. bitterly, bytterly, bitterrliȝ (c 1200), OE. biterlíce, Icel. bitrliga.] With bitterness; severely.1456 Hay I. 30/15 (Romaynes bitterly will bakbyte). c1450-2 Howlat 811 (the barde bitterly couth ban). c1460 Wisd. Sol. 828 (the angell sal bitterly gret). a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 19 (the blastis bitterly come quhisling). c1550 Rolland C. Venus i. 708 (in baill sa bitterlie thé band). a1605 Montg. Flyting 293 ( … full bitterly they ban).
