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.
Pité, Pittie, -y, -é, v. Also: pyté. [e.m.E. pittie (1529), pity (1535), to feel pity for, also to grieve for (1656), intr. to be sorry, impers. to move to pity, f. pity Pité n., prob. after OF. piteer, pitier. Cf. Peté v.] To pity, in various usual senses.
1. tr. To feel pity for (a person or his condition).1582 Cal. Sc. P. VI. 148.
[It is better a great deal to refuse it and be] pyteit [with nothing] 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 69/9.
Ather louing the riche or pitteing the poore Ib. 98/3.
But pittie & succoure all laufull princes in thaire trubles 1611-57 Mure Early Misc. P. ii. 34.
Ah mackles dame … Pitty … my never ceasing paine
2. To show (a person) mercy or clemency.1615 Denmylne MSS. in Highland P. III. 221.
I hop the consall will evin pite me 1640 Dunferm. Kirk S. in Rogers Social Life III. 305.
He should have sitten before the pulpit, bot he was pittied
3. To regret, grieve for (an item of news).c1610 Jok Uplandis Newis 4 a.
I pittie thes newes from my heart
