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.
Pithily, -elie, Pythely, adv. [e.m.E. and late ME. pithily (1434), pythely, piththely, f. Pithy a.] a. Vigorously, forcefully. b. ? Concisely, tersely. —1548 Cal. Sc. P. I 140.
Thocht the mater be nevir so pythely perswadit or so lyvely opynnit 1600-1610 Melvill 718.
Quhair Mr. Williame … conceivit the prayer most pithelie c1630 Scot Narr. .
They reasoned pithily against ministers voting in parliament
