A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Med(e)-, Meidful(l, a. Also: (mediful). [ME. (Rolle) and e.m.E. med(e)-, meedeful, f. Mede n.1] Meritorious, deserving of reward or credit.Common only in the formula (2).(1) a1400 Leg. S. xl. 86.
Hyme thocht That medful wes … saw Goddis sede In hartis c1420 Wynt. vii. 41.
Throwch thare wertws medfull dedys In … honoure yhit thare sed is Ib. 3576.(2) 1384 Misc. Hist. Soc. V. 32.
For why medeful thing and meritable is to ber witnes to suthfastnes 1420 Reg. Episc. Morav. 475. 1428 Liber Melros 519.
For thi at it is merytable & medfull to ber wytnes to the suthfastnes 1432 Charter (Reg. H.) No. 285.
Mediful 1438 Ib. No. 301.
Medefull 1451 11th Rep. Hist. MSS. App. vi. 25.
Medful 1479 Highland P. II. 184.(b) 1442 Stirlings of Keir 216.
Meidfull 1481 Douglas Bequest 17 May. 1502 H. Paton Mackintosh Mun. (1903) 8. 1529 Dunferm. B. Rec. I. 279.
