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.
Merchie, -y, a. [f. Merch n.1: cf. ME. (north.) marghty (1435), merewi (Wyclif), e.m.E. marowy (1541).] Marrowy; fig. full of ‘marrow and fatness’ (cf. Psalms lxiii. 5), ‘pith’ or substance, potent, effective. —?1661-5 M. Bruce Soul-Confirmation 18.
The Lord is reserving a merchy piece of the word of his promise, to be made out to many of his friends and people Ib.
He has the merchiest bit of the bible reserved for them, till they come to some black hour of tryal
