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.
Prunella, n. (adj.). Also: prunaly, prunely; prinella, prinaloy, prinnaly; prenella. [Of obscure origin: cf. e.m.E. prunello (1656), -a (1670), and F. prunelle (1780 in Littré) a strong, darkly coloured material, ? f. OF prunelle, med. L. prunella (a 1150) a sloe.] A strong silk fabric usually of a dark or sloe colour. Also attrib. and comb.1656 Lennoxlove MS [The Duke of Hamilton] F1/431/9/86.
[A gown of] black prunaly 1660 Ib. F1/350/4.
A black prinaloy gowne 1667–9 Home Clothing Acc. MS (Earl of Home) 6.
1 ell of blak silk prunella 1682 Lennoxlove MS [The Duke of Hamilton] F1/482/1/1/
A prinnaly gown Ib. F1/482/1/9.
Silk prinella gouns Ib.
For … his grace's prinella sad breetches 3 drope silk 16 d. Ib.
A drope of sad silk to dress a pair of prunella bodies 1683 Ib. F1/561/2/54.
Dressing a prunaly petticoat Ib.
A night gown of prunely Ib.
1 prunaly mantel 1688 Douglas Bequest 24 July.
6 ells silke prenella 1690 Brechin Test. VIII 12b.
Ane wobb of whyt prunella stuffe
