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.
Quotation dates: 1450-1577, 1633
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Unfalȝeable, adj. Also: unfallibill, -fallible, -failyeabill, wnfailȝabill, -fallable. [Late ME and e.m.E. vnfaylabill, -faillabil (both c1425), vnfallyble (1529), vnfallible (1545).]
1. That is incapable of failing or giving way; sure, reliable.c1450-2 Howlat 383 (A).
The Dowglas … Of Scotland the were wall … Our fais force to defend, & vnfalȝeable [B. vnselȝeable] 1560 Cal. Sc. P. I 328.
[Knowing your good and godly mind towards] furth setting of the trew word of God and the unioun of thir realmes … [and desiring to see it have] ane ferme and unfailyeabill ruit & ground
2. That always holds good; unerring. = Infallible adj.1490 Irland Mir. II 65/8.
The vniuersale kyrk is the reule wnfallable in the mater of the faith 1563 Davidson Answer (1563) 8.
Thay haue takin thaim to be iudgit be the Spirit and unfallible worde of God 1633 Johnston Diary I 157.
Freedom of prayer was to me ever ane unfallible forruner of ane present blissing to follou thairupon
3. a. Invincible, unshakeable. b. Impregnable.a. 1577 Edinburgh Testaments V 195.
The vniuersall resurrectioun quhilk … all faithfull possessouris of Crist abydis with vnfallibill faith & houpeb. a1538 Abell 18b.
Hes the biggin apone a craig is wnfailȝabill sa is the command of God in a gude wemennis mynd ewir remanand
