A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1638-1662
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(Merely,) Meir-, Mearly, adv.2 [e.m.E. merely (1546), meere-.] Absolutely, quite, altogether; only, solely. —1638 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 49.
And that for matters mearlie ecclesiastisall before wther judicatories c1650 Spalding II. 13.
And in his accusatioun exponed meirlie tirranicall 1650 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 599.
That they fight meirlie upon ther former groundes … and in defence of the causse of God 1661 Lauder Notices Affairs I. i.
A great number of pleas meirly civill 1662 Douglas Corr. 379.
Both of them so handld mearly for their loyaltie to their master
