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.
Unlele, -leil(l, adj. Also: wnlele, unleile, -leyll, onleill. [ME vn-lele (Cursor M.), vnleelle (Piers Plowman), vnleel (a1430); Lel(e adj.]
1. Lacking Christian faith, unbelieving; heathen. Also absol.a1400 Leg. S. xix 342.
Of that pepule than vnlele … conuertyt was that day Aucht thousand men to Cristis layabsol. a1400 Leg. S. vii 456.
Thare dwellynge thar can tha ma Sa that na lele man suld forfare Amange vnlele that wekit ware
2. Faithless, disloyal (to another); untrustworthy.1456 Hay I 30/5.
Untrewe and unlele to thair soveraynis lordis 1456 Hay II 78/30.
I have grete drede that this buke cum nocht in the handis of … unlele men quhilkis war nocht worthy to have sa mekle gude 1494 Loutfut MS 7b.
Sic folkis be na maner suld be callit herauldis … bot thai suld be … callit traitouris fals reportouris and wnlele [Lindsay MS vnleile] murdreris 1528 Lynd. Dreme 313.
Mansworne merchandis … Fals men of law … Theiffis, reuaris … vnleill lauboraris 1533 Boece 198a.
Thare chiftane was … ane dissymulit theif vnleil and vnworthy a1568 Scott xxvi 7.
No leid vnleill thay [sc. women] leit … ȝit thay ar … repleit Of falset … thair sell
3. Unjust, unfair.1513 Doug. viii Prol. 84.
Lordis ar left landles be onleill [Sm. vnleyll, Ruddim. vnlele] lawys
