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.
Slime, Slyme, n. [ME and e.m.E. slim (c1150), slyme (c1290), slime (a1300), OE slím.] a. Mucus, also, as the type of transience, ? specif. the mucus left by snails. b. Mud; excrement; also fig., applied pejoratively to human beings.a. c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus i 324.
That lufe … hes na continuance Bot slydis away as dois the snaw or slime [: rime, time, crime] a1568 Bann. MS 15b/2.
Lyfe … Is fraill and vane, mair slippry than the slyme A heipfull of cairisb. 1567 G. Ball. 165.
Quhen cumin is our … tyme, Than we man turnit be in slyme 1579, 1617 Despauter (1579).
Limus, slyme 1587 Carmichael Etym. 32.
Fimum, dung, slimefig. 1564 Knox VI 306.
Thou art our Father, and we be but earth and slyme
