A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Welthy, -i(e, -é, adj. Also: welthtye, velthye, welth. [Late ME and e.m.E. welþi (c1380), velthy (c1412), welthy (c1460).] a. Happy, enjoying a state of well-being. b. Rich, enjoying abundant material wealth. c. Plentiful.a. a1400 Leg. S. xxxi 222.
Quhen hyre chawmir wast saw he, Quhare welthi wes scho wont to be 1567 G. Ball. 215.
Thocht Cato, Prince of prudent price, In welthie stait did lang remaine. Ȝit be the chance of Fortounis dice Mekle miserie he did sustaineb. c1450 Cr. Deyng (STS) 40.
His lyf, how velthye or pure that it be 1461 Liber Plusc. 386 (see Wik(k)it adj. 8).
Welth 1547 Cal. Sc. P. I 11.
[For after a] welthtye lyff, I am nocht cummyt hyre to ane powre to lye 1562-3 Winȝet I 128/13.
The samin [sc. monastic life] wes abusit … in idilnes and welthy lyfe 1587-99 Hume 160/148.
To be promoved … from the estate of a poore and miserable cotter, to the estate of a welthie & potent lord c1600 Poem (verso T. Pont) 36.
Cresus welthy rent c1600 Montg. Suppl. xv 3.
My father is ane welthe manc. 1596 Dalr. I 24/10.
With ws ar funde gemis … the turques, … the rubie and the margarite in gret number bot the turques and the rubie ar verie rare … bot the margarite is baith welthie and of a noble price 1596 Dalr. I 34/10.
Nathir was this prouince destitute of monasteries … albeit nocht sa welthie as at vthir tymes
