A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Redles, adj. [ME and e.m.E. redles (c1250), redeles (1399), reedlesse (1494), appar. obs. after 1536, OE rǽdléas, OFris. rêdlâs, OHG ratelos, ON ráðlauss. Cf. Red(e n.1] Devoid or destitute of counsel; not knowing what to do. Only in early verse. —c1450-2 Howlat 968 (A).
Fra rule ressoun and richt redles I ran a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 1130.
The roy … raikit full redles to his riche tent c1475 Wall. viii 361.
Redles thai rais, and mony fled away
