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.
Phrensie, -ye, n. Also: phrenzie, phrainsie. [e.m.E. phrensie (1591), also (chiefly) frensye (Rolle), fransye (a 1400), reduced var. of Phrenesie n. See also Frenesy n.] lit. and fig. Insanity; delirium; mental derangement, temporary or permanent; an onset of any of these.(1) 1558-66 Knox II. 282.
Phrensye 1597 James VI Dæmonol. 70.
Them that ar trubled with a natural phrensie or manie 1638 Baillie I. 169.
He was overtaken with ane incurable phrensie 1661 Dalyell Darker Superst. 53.
Phrenzie(b) 1610 Dalyell Darker Superst. 53.
[He fell] into ane phrainsie and madnes and took his bed & never rase again(2) fig. 1558 Knox IV. 374.
Their counsel foolishnes and judgment phrensie
