A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1653-1674
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(Smertnes,) Smartness, n. [ME and e.m.E. smartnes (Manning), -ness(e; Smert adj.] a. Sharp discipline. b. Cleverness. —a. 1653 Binning Wks. 561.
Do not deceive yourselves with vain words. If you find not the smartness of the gospel, and the doctrine of grace laying this restraint upon the heart, ye are yet in your sins —b. 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 348.
To his naturall propension of wit and smartness he had the addition of good education at home and abroad
