A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1551-1588
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Unmercyfulnes, -mercifulnes, n. [e.m.E. vnmercifulnesse (1545); Mercyfulnes n.] Mercilessness. —1551 Hamilton Catechism 10.
Thai breik the fift command … be unmercyfulnes quhen thai may saif thair nychtbouris lyfe with help and supply and will nocht 1588 King Catechism 130.
The doghters of this mechant mother [sc. covetousness] ar deceat, treason … violence, vnmercifulnes and hardnes of hart
