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.
Sluggish(e, adj. Also: sluggische, slouggishe. [Late ME and e.m.E. slugissh (c1440), sluggyssh (Caxton), -ish (1560), slogish (1535), slouggish (1561); Slug v.] Idle, slothful, lacking industry or application, negligent. b. In fig. context: ? Sleepy. ? Sleep inducing.c1546 G. Wishart in Misc. Wodrow Soc. 22.
We rejecte … this monckely chastite, and all hole this slouthful and slouggishe sorte of lyfe of supersticious men 1570 Sat. P. xi 111.
Remuif all sluggische slewth away 1587 Carmichael Etym. 19.
Reses, sluggish 1615 Melrose P. 231.
If your lordship sall kythe cairles or … sluggishe in this great chairge, ye will increas the libertie of your ewilwillars 1615 Orkney & Shetl. Ct. Bk. in Misc. Maitl. C. II 184.
Thair is many inconstant sluggish and idle persones quha … gives themselffis to traffik and play the merchand and attends the repairing of shipps 1632 Lithgow Trav. x 429.
The Turke and the Irish-man are the least industrious and most sluggish liuers vnder the sunne 1632 Lithgow Trav. x 446.
This sluggish and idle husbandryb. 1570 Sat. P. x 7.
Schir Morpheus … assailȝeit me With all his sluggische suldarts
