A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Helsum, adj. Also: helsome. [Late var. of hail-, Halesum adj.] a. Wholesome, salutary. b. Full of health, vigorous. —1540 Lynd. Sat. 3397.
Mair helsum aill1551 Hamilton Cat. 281.
It is a haly and helsum thocht to pray for the saulis departita1568 Bann. MS. 139 b/9.
To hald thame helsum at hairt a1568 Scott xv. 1.
Vp, helsum hairt 1579 Black Bk. Taymouth 147.
Ane oynion is helssum to annoynt the place that is bittin vith ane madde dog1650 Acts Sederunt ii. 70.
Be helsome lawes to be maid thairanent by the Lords
