A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Slefeles,) Sleevles, Sleeveless, adj. (ME and e.m.E. slevelesse (1387-8) futile, trifling, sub-sense of slevelees (c1430), OE slefleas without sleeves; Slef(e n.) —1638-50 Hamilton P. (Camden Soc.) 250.
He brings a most sleevles letter from the Lords to his Highnes, which signifyes nothing 1657 R. Moray Lett. fol. 69.
That take the paines thus to tell you sleeveless stories
