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.
(Vilenes,) Vylenes, Vyldnes, n. Also: vilenesse. [e.m.E. vylenesse (1495), vilenes (1549), vyldnes (1597).] Wickedness, depravity. —1535 Stewart 1090.
I haif pietie of ȝour ryall estait With thair vylenes to be so maculat, Quhilk in this warld wer euir maist odeous 1634 Johnston Diary I 207.
The Lord wonderfully mooved … at thy confession of thy vyldnes a1652 Dickson Psalms I (1653) 52.
All the politicians on earth cannot describe the vilenesse of the wicked
