A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Warldly wise,) Uordlie uyse, Wordlie wise, adj. [Late ME and e.m.E. worldly wys (c1400).] Wise in the affairs of the world. —1581-1623 James VI Poems II 147/19.
Thus ethnikes fonde thoch uordlie uyse [v.r. wordlie wise] not knouing any godd Did first inuent that fortoune