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.
Quotation dates: 1598
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(Selyly,) Sillelie, adv. [e.m.E. sillyly (1581); Sely adj.] In the manner of a foolish person. — 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 180/7.
Use also the lyke forme in youre gesture, nather looking sillelie lyke a stupide pedante, nor unsetledlie uith ane unkouth morgue, lyke a neu come ouir caualier
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"Selyly adv.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 10 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/selyly>
