A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Dekey, v. Also: dekye; p.p. dekeit. [Variant of ME. dekay Decay v. The change of vowel is as in ke(y for earlier kay.] intr. To decay, decline, become impaired.1513 Doug. xiii. iii. 73.
[Kings being] in dowt From thar estait to dekey suddanly 1531 Bell. Boece II. 156.
Thy pre-eminent glore … sall dekey in irrecoverable dammage Id. Livy I. 47/31.
That the … cerymonis institute be kingis suld nocht dekey nor failȝe 1541 Stirlings of Keir 368.
Ane grett part of the auld heretage … was likelie to haif dekeit c1550 Rolland C. Venus iii. 123.
In chance the Court fra thy quarell dekey 1573 Inverness B. Rec. I. 228.
Throcht the … dertht and heing of pricis of tymmer, the policie of this burcht dekeis
