A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Van(e)lie, Vainelie, Wainlie, adv. [ME and e.m.E. veynly (Wyclif), vaynly (Trevisa), veinly (c1450), vainly (1548).] Vainly, foolishly, thoughtlessly; in a conceited or futile manner. — a1570-86 Maitland in Maitl. F. 299/65.
Sum will spend mair … In spyce and droigis on ane day Nor wald thair moderis in a ȝeir … thai sa vanelie waist thair geir a1570-86 Maitland in Maitl. F. 299/70.
Vanlie a1570-86 Maitland in Maitl. F. 445/22.
Gif thow will vs na prodigalitie And wainlie weist the rentis of thi croun 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 144.
Thair is left no place of doubt, as vainelie and lieinglie thow waldis pretend 1596 Dalr. I 101/29.
Nathir haue thay nochtwithstandeng, now vanelie fallin frome the faith of the Catholik kirk
You may wish to vary the format shown below depending on the citation style used.
"Vanlie adv.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Jan 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/vanelie>
