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.
Ly-by, n. [Ly v. 8 c: cf. e.m.E. lie-by a concubine (a 1656) and Ly v. 3 c.] One who hangs back or remains uncommitted, an uncommitted onlooker or neutral. (Cf. also By-lyar n.). —1571 Disc. touching the Estate A. ii h.
My trauell is nouther for the proude contempnaris authoris of this miserie, nor for the coward and febill hartit lyby a1661 Postscript in a1661 Rutherford Lett. (1675) III. 116.
[Satan] finding little dammage to his dominion … by these lazy ly-byes and idle loiterers c1680 McWard Contendings 354 (Jam.).
Such an heroick appearance … would make you live and die ornaments to your profession, while ly-bys will stink away in their sockets
