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.
Lenitie, -ty(e, n. Also: lin-, lean-, lan- and -ytie. [e.m.E. lenitie (1548), OF. lenité, L. lēnitās.] Mildness, lenience, forbearance.(a) 1558-66 Knox II. 378.
The lenitie and long suffering of God 1569 Reg. Privy C. I. 666.
Intending to use lenitie and moderatioun 1586 Ib. IV. 66.
[He had proceeded] alwayes with grite lenitie and superseidment of tyme 1596 Dalr. II. 164/19.
The same lenitie [ed. leuitie] and gentlenes he vses within few days to Hume 1640 Dundonald Par. Rec. 468.
[The schoolmaster] to kyth his prudence in … applying himself thairwnto by lenitie, allurements, commendatiouns(b) 1564 Reg. Privy C. I. 287.
Mony … hes abusit hir hienes linitie(c) 1667 Ib. 3 Ser. II. 277.
He hath used him with all the leanity and forbearance imaginable(d) 1606 Crim. Trials II. 503.
Haveing, in our accustomed lanity, gevin to thaise … tratouris moir than sufficient tyme
