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.
Wif(e)ly, Wiflie, Wyf(f)ly, Wyfelie, -y, adj. [ME and e.m.E. wifly, wyfely (both Chaucer), OE wíflíc.] a. Of or pertaining to a woman. b. Pertaining to or concerning a wife. —a. 1513 Doug. iv xii 46.
Wyfly [Sm. wifly] 1513 Doug. vii vi 7.
Quene Amatais … all inflambit in ire and wifely [Ruddim. wyffly] thochtis … The bissy curis of Turnus mariage Skaldyng hir breist and mynd half in a rage 1513 Doug. xi xvii 25.
The wemen bet thar breistis … Rasand … a wofull wyfly [Ruddim. wyfely] cry 1531 Bell. Boece I 125.
Nochtheles in quhatsumevir image nature hes formit me [sc. Voada, queen of the Britons] [etc.] … And thocht I may no wayis devoid me of wiflie image, yit I sall not want mannis hardiment —b. 1533 Bell. Livy I 123/18.
Thai fell in desputacioun concernyng thare wyiffis, quhilk of thame had the best wife … The victorie … of this wyfelie contencioun [L. muliebris certaminis] was gevin to Lucres
