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.
Helth, n. Also: helthe, heltht, heilth(e, health. [e.m.E. health, helth, ME. heelthe, helth, OE. hǽlþ. Adopted in the 16th c. from Eng., beside the usual Sc. Hele n.2, Hail(l n.2] Health; well-being, welfare.(a) c1500-c1512 Dunb. xii. 25.
Heir helth returnis in seiknes 1513 Doug. iii. v. 114.
Levis he ȝit in helth [v.rr. hele, heil] and in weilfair? 1562-3 Winȝet II. 23/32.
To the auld helth of mynd fra the new woudnes1566 Inverness Rec. I. 132.
In seiknes alsveill as in heltht1566 Misc. Spald. C. II. 35.
Owir Kyngis grace … quhome God most preserve in gwid helth 1596 Dalr. I. 234/16.
Perceiueng his helth with … hauie seiknes to be persewit 1607 Crim. Trials II. 536.
To were thame continuallie vpone him, for his helth1619 Fraserburgh Kirk S. 100 (15 Sept.).
Christan Gordone att helthe aganec1650 Spalding I. 226.
He now recoveris his helth(b) 1527 Douglas Corr. 118.
The Holy Trinite preserve ȝour hienes in langlyff, gud hei[l]the and prosperite 1570 Black Bk. Taymouth 429.
God leuuinge ws our heilthis, we will get geir enewche
