A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1581-1650
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Cannily, Cannely, adv. Also: -lie, cannelly, -lie. [f. Canny a.] Skilfully, carefully, cautiously.1581 Burne Disput. 62 b.
Frere Martine Lauter … passed mair cannelie to vorke 1596 Dalr. II. 102.
He … sa weil could wale a sword, and sa cannilie could handle al kynd of wapne 1614 Melrose P. 182.
War not I vsed the mater so cannelie, … it wald haue bene ane longsum saidge 1630 Misc. Hist. Soc. I. 105.
If ye ply cannely the bussines aganis your party 1633 Maxwell Mem. I. 440.
He does expect … money of that bussines, which is thocht will trewlie affuird the samyne, if it be cannilie compast 1638 Baillie I. 174.
Since, he has lurked, and carried himself farr more cannilie then any of that syde c1650 Spalding II. 82.
It is said that the King had receavit ane letter from the Erll of Montross, cannelly convoyit
