A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Mes(e)lie, a. [Late e.m.E. meezlie (a 1640), mezely (Urquhart's Rabelais), measly (1687), f. Mesell.] Leprous. As a term of abuse. (Cf. Misell a. c.) —a1585 Polwart Flyt. 788 (T).
Meslie [v.rr. misly, -lie] kyt and thow flyt, deill dryt in thy gob