We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Delf, n. Also: delff, delphe; pl. delvys. [ME. delf (Wyclif), delfe (e.m.E. delff, delph), late OE. dælf.]

1. A place dug out; a hole or pit; a grave.c 1318 Wallace-James E. Lothian Deeds 9.
Unam acram … super le delvys juxta Revedene
c1420 Wynt. vi. 325.
The graffe … Thai rypyd and the body soucht; … That delff [C. delf] thai stoppyd hastyly
a1500 Prestis of Peblis 1019.
The first freind, quhil he was laid in delf, He lufit ay far better than him self
1513 Doug. viii. Prol. 180 (R).
He … drew me doun derne in delf [v.r. dolf] by ane dyke
1618 Antiq. Aberd. & B. II. 371.
Desending doun the stryp of Dargattie quhill it cum to the Blak Myre, wtherwayes Black Delffes
1664 Douglas Chart. (Reg. H.) XIII. No. 32.
Decem acris arabilis terræ et delphis, lie delphe terrarium de Eastquarter

2. A single act of digging. 1589 Laing Charters 293.
Entering him ... be thre delffis of ane spaid upon the arabill landis thairof, as use is

9700

dost

Hide Advanced Search

Browse DOST:

    Loading...

Share: