A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Trim(b)ling, vbl. n. Also: trimbillyng, trymbling, trimlyng, trymling, -yng, trembling. [ME and e.m.E. tremlynge (Manning), tremblyng (Wyclif), trymlinge (c1400).]
1. Of persons or their bodies: The condition or state of trembling or shaking. Also b. An instance of this, a trembling-fit.(a) 1580 Skeyne Descr. Well Sig. A 3b.
It is gude also for palpitatioun & trymbling of the body being drunkin(b) 1646-54 J. Hope Diary 139.
In her seecknesse shee had greatt fittes of the mother and … continuall trembling and shakeings specially of her handsb. a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 514.
With hait fewir, ane sweit and trimbling Him tuik, quhill he was reddie to expyre 1513 Doug. vii vii 88.
The ȝong man spekand, suddanly The trymlyng [Sm., Ruddim. trymbling] hynt all membris of his body 1533 Bell. Livy I 57/2.
Incontinent ane huge trymling invadit all the pepill that beheld this batall 1573-1600 Burne Disput. in Cath. Tr. 165.
Ane young man, and young voman … quha had fallin in ane paralysie and trimbling of al thair membris, be reassone of thair motheris malisone 1596–7 Misc. Spald. C. I 85.
Alexander tuik ane extreme fear and trimbling
c. fig. Apprehension or fear, such as to induce trembling.a1538 Abell 92a.
Seruandis obey to ȝour carnaill maisteris with dreid & trymling
2. Of the earth: The condition or state of moving as a result of natural forces. Also b. An instance of this, an earthquake or tremor.1513 Doug. i iii 54 Comm.
The watyr inclusyt ondyr the erth is oft tymys caus of erdqwkyng and trimbillyng or moving of the erth c1552 Lynd. Mon. 5500.
Quhen thay se roches schaik in schounder, Throw trimlyng of the erth and quakyng 1587-99 Hume 20/114.
The earth, quhilk of it selfe, is stable, firme, and steif, With trimling and with awfull quaiks, in twa is like to cleifb. 1531 Bell. Boece II 328.
Ane continewall trimbling and erdquaik followit
