A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Power-, Pouerful(l, adj. Also: powerfoull. [e.m.E. and late ME (north.) powarfull (a 1400–50), powerfull (1586), f. Power n. Cf. Pourful adj.] Powerful: Having great power, mighty; exerting a great force, effective, potent; possessed of large resources, wealthy. —c1590 Fowler II 83/1.
Randring the kirks & papes pouer ouer pouerfull Ib. 139/21.
The factious partie that was maist pouerful becam mair baldest a1599 Rollock Wks. I 415.
[Christ and the apostles] maid it manifest how powerfull this ministerie was be demolisching the kingdome of sinne 1610 Rep. Earl Southesk MSS. 14.
Sum qualite … so powerfoull to kendell my hart with luiff 1622 Melrose P. 471.
Pithie in wryting … , powerful in doing 1659 Dumfries Kirk S. 29 Dec.
Such of the people who are powerfull in goods ar verie wncharritable to the poore
