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.
Lither, Lythir, a. [North. and midl. ME. lither, lyther, lyper, north. also leþer (c 1400), lethir, west midl. and south. luðer, early luðre, luðere, leoðre, OE, lýðre wicked, base (persons), poor, worthless (things): the chief sense of the Sc. word (and see also Lidder a.) occurs first in Sc. and north. ME. (Towneley Plays) and in e.m.E. appar. from c 1550.] Lazy, sluggish, slothful.1456 Hay II. 61/29.
Thai ar suere ande lythir to travainle thame to wyn homoure in armes Ib. 157/20.
Sum is hable lycht and expert as a con, and ane othir lythir and hevy, suere as a bere 1535 Stewart 28600.
He gaif command na langar for to byde Bot gif thame battell. … Thairto the laif wes nothing sweir nor lither 1595 Duncan App. Etym.
Iners, lither, spirtles
