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.
Quotation dates: 1569-1599, 1680
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Modestlie, adv. [e.m.E. modestly, -lie (1561).] In a modest, seemly or decorous manner; not forwardly or brashly. — a1570-86 Maitland Maitland Folio MS xxv. 21.
Leif modestlie luif honestie 1587-99 Hume 83/126.
After well doing … walke warilie, modestlie and sadlie 1680 Aberd. Council Lett. VI. 256.
If ye hold things jogging at Aberdeine modestlie without inbringing your right … I see no ground of fear
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"Modestlie adv.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 17 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/modestlie>
