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.
Sleuth, Slouth, v. Also: sleuch, sluth, sloucht. [ME and e.m.E. sleuhþen (c1300), slewth(en (c1430), slewthyn (Prompt. Parv.), sleucht (1534), slowth(en (Gower), slawthyn (c1440), slouthe (1477), sloth (1676); Sleuth n.1] tr. To delay, put off or neglect; to postpone (a matter, etc.). b. specif. To waste (time).1513 Doug. xi ix 62.
Hym self he accusyt, That he sa lang had slewthit and refusyt To ressaue … Ene 1570 Waus Corr. 72.
I pray yow sloucht na theing of yowr ane besenes and spar nocht the expensis [etc.] a1578 Pitsc. I 135/21.
All was sluthit [1728 sleuthed] 1584 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. I 193.
The pwneisment of these faltis being sleuchit and necglectit 1584 Laing MSS 51.
For feir I mak yow our wantoun and swa gif yow occasioun to slewth your effayris 1586–7 Waus Corr. 371.
This mater may nocht bie lang sleuthit 1601 State P. (Reg. H.) No. 110.
Seing my charge not suffering me to come oft to crave hes made me sleuth it in tymes past, and that same stay remanis as ȝit(b) 1601 Cal. Sc. P. XIII 807.
To … see punished … [those who] slouth or neglect our said directions 1640 Hibbert P. No. 10.
We intreat ȝowe to get tryall of that befor ȝe come home for we wold not slouth it giwe we could hawe anie thing neir the skillb. 1585 James VI Ess. 74.
Men sould be warr, To sleuth the tyme that flees fra them 1590 James VI in Taylor Hist. Scotland II 338a.
I … command you sleuth na tyme a1595 Davidson in Three Reformers 109.
Therefore no time was for to sleuth, To them who did professe the trueth
