A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Selfines, n. Also: selfiness(e. [Selfy adj.] Devotion to self, selfishness. —1651 Dingwall Presb. 211 (see Selfy adj.). a1658 Durham Scandal (1659) 36.
It is safest to hazard upon diligence without rigidity … because there is least selfinesse [1740 selfishnesse] on that side a1658 Durham Subtile Self 39.
For in as far as our actions are sinful, they spring from the flesh and particularly from this root of selfiness a1658 Durham Subtile Self 75.
This selfie corruption or corrupt selfiness whereby men do prefer and oppose themselves to God
