A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Peltrie, -y, n. and a. [e.m.E. peltrye, -ie (1550–66), thereafter appar. chiefly or only Sc. Appar. f. Pelt n.2 with the collective suffix -rie, and paralleled in formation by Paltrie.For discussions of the etym. see SND, s.v. Pelt n.2 and OED, s.v. Paltry sb. and Peltry sb.2]
1. Worthless objects, collectively; trash, rubbish.1567 G. Ball. 176.
With bullis of leid … Closit in ane box … Sic peltrie was neuer sene Ib. 177.
Quhill at the last he salbe downe cast His peltrie, pardonis, and all a1599 Rollock Wks. I. 320.
For quhen all this peltrie sall be taken away then we sall fullie be renewed Ib. 322.
Al the kingdoms, honour and riches of this warld quhilk is nathing but dirt and peltry in respect of those hevinly thingis Ib. II. 514. 1619 Scot Narr. 270.
Better be pyned to dead for hunger than for a little peltrie of the earth to perish for euer
b. transf. Worthless pursuits.c1568 Lauder Minor P. i. 526.
And so as palȝeartis in peltrie perseueiris Quhill of thair strenth consumit be the ȝeris
2. attrib. or adj. Worthless; rubbishy.a1605 Montg. Son. xxiv. 4.
A peltrie pultron poysond vp with pryde 16.. Row Cupp of Bon-Accord 2.
Neither are there some of you … wha wald not a wisht your selves … out of the kirk when ye heard the peltry stuff that came from them
