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.
Variet(i)e, -ye, n. [e.m.E. varietee (a1533), varyete (1546), varietie (a1548), variety (1580), varietye (1624), F. variété.] a. Variation, diversity of character. b. A different type or form of something. c. Discord, disagreement. —a. 1531 Vaus in Innes Sketches 272 n.
Rewlis of oratre ar changeable eftyr the iugment of weill imbutit eiris, for nay thing is mair delectable in eloquens thane variete —b. 1533 Boece 429b.
Ane toure within the castell … with copir thekit was this toure, decorit with variete of flouris and imageris 1580 Skeyne Descr. Well Introd. 14.
The notable vertues with which thes wateris ware indued, in heiling such varietie of diseases a1599 Rollock Wks. I 436.
Paull makis mentioun heir of ane varietie and diversitie of lustes —c. 1590 Conv. Burghs I 339.
That thai sall remane constant at thair awin conclusioun, but ony diuisioun or varietye 1591 Edinb. Test. XXIII 138b.
For eschewing of all varietie betuix his wyfe and bairnes
