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.
Spiritit, Spre(i)tit, ppl. adj. Also: spritit, spreited. [e.m.E. spirited (1599); Spirit v.] In comb. as the second element with adjectives such as hie-, licht-, quyk-, waik-, etc.: Having a disposition or character of the type described by the adjective. Cf. Spirit n. 11 and Licht-spr(e)itit adj.(1) 1456 Hay I 68/15.
Sum faderis ar sa pitous and wayke spiritit, that thai coud nocht fynd in thair hertis to … chasty thair barnis 1560 Rolland Seven S. 9217.
I feill ȝow dispairit in ane part, And in this cace ouir waik spretit in hart(2) 1456 Hay I 119/31 (see Hardy adj. 1 b (1)).(3) 1549 Compl. 181/24.
Thai var profond hie spretit vailȝeant men a1599 Rollock Wks. I 367.
Thair is wise and heich spreitit men that will put ordour to others(4) 1549 Compl. 153/33.
Thou art nocht sa quyk spretit, sa prudent nor sa nobil as vas thy fathere … thou hes nocht sic ane hede as he had in al his byssynes(5) c1590 Fowler I 256/10.
With great valeur purches glore and fame For to decore his house and noble name, Quhils baser spreited lords doth stayne there race
