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.
Godly, Godlie, a. [e.m.E. (1526), ME. godly (1450), godliche (c 1380).]
1. Observant of the law of God; devout, pious: a. Of persons. b. Of conduct, purpose, etc.a. 1456 Hay I. 295/21.
A king … suld be … godly and devote to God and haly kirk 1562 Edinb. B. Rec. III. 141.
The want of gude and godlie officeris c1568 Lauder Minor P. iii. 2.
Thir vearse ar sweit … Unto the hartis of godlie men a1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. cxiii. 1.
Pastyme with godlie cwmpanye Now in this warld is best for me 1596 Dalr. II. 122/2.
The King … did the duetie of a gude and godlie princeabsol. c1568 Lauder Minor P. i. 151.
The godlie sall in heavin have thair intrance Ib. iii. 77.
The godlie luffis thair pastoursb. c1500-c1512 Dunb. lxxxii. 51.
Ȝour godlie works [grow] les and les 1561 Edinb. B. Rec. III. 123.
The necessar and godlie seruice dalie done be Ihonne Carnys, actour of the mornyng prayeris 1562-3 Winȝet II. 5/19.
Quhais labour ȝit is … to diuyde his peple fra godly vnitie 1585 Brechin Episc. Reg. II. 352.
The said annuellis … cannot be applayit agane to na godlie … use
2. God-like, divine, divinely inspired.1490 Irland Mir. I. 57/23.
The saule … wauld seme a … hevinly and a godlie creature 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. Prol. 73.
Thy godly lore, cunning incomparable, Dantis the sauage beistis Id. Æn. iii. vi. 167.
Vndir a roch … Thar salt thou find the godly prophetes Ib. v. xi. 41.
Hir godly figur and hir weid laid by 1533 Gau 90/26.
Lat vs thank thy godlie wil quhilk disponis althing to our guid 1560 Rolland Seven S. 10400.
Thair is naue can … set on side the godlie prouidence 1566 Acts To reader iij.
The lawis … ordouris to the best baith godlie and manlie effairis
