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.
Blithly, Blythly, adv. Also: blithlie, blaithly; blythlye, -lie, blythely, blyithlie; blychtly. [ME. blithli, -ly, early bliðeliche, OE. Blíðelice, ON. Blíðliga.] In a blithe manner or spirit; gladly, happily.(a) 1375 Barb. vi. 388.
Quhen he persauit weill that he Vald blithly ysche Ib. viii. 457.
He vald ysche fer the blithlyer a1500 Henr. III. 147/40.
The low of luf … Vnbrynt full blithlie birnis a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 1326.
[I sal] Blithly bow and obeise to your bidding 1513 Doug. i. viii. 107.
Blithly we suld hald towart Italy Ib. v. ii. 33.
Lat ws all … Perform this honour blithly 1680-6 Lauder Observes 305.
He wold blaithly swallowed it(b) 1375 Barb. i. 508.
I will blythly apon me ta The state Ib. ii. 115.
I wald blythly that thow war thar c1420 Wynt. v. 3955.
Pay that yhe awe thame blythly Ib. vi. 1249; etc.
The barne scho tuk than blythly 1456 Hay II. 79/25.
And … geve and spend … till every person blythely c1450-2 Howlat 663.
The Pape … blythly tham blist c1490 Irland Asl. MS. I. 33/14.
That thow geve [alms] blythlye and frely c1500-c1512 Dunb. xxix. 6.
Quhen I wald blythlie ballattis breif 1513 Doug. i. x. 63.
The God of lufe … blythly steppis furth 1535 Stewart 16657.
Ressaueand him richt blythlie and benyng In his seruice 1560 Rolland Seven S. 69/9.
Schaw me that tale, & blyithlie I sal heir ȝow 1572 Sat. P. xxxiii. 387.
I wald that this wer blythlie endit 1596 Dalr. i. 169/17.
Findeng occasioune to win honour … , blythlie he apprehendes it
