A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1399-1596
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Idil-, Ydilnes, n. Also: ydilnas, ydel-, ydle-, idylnes. [ME. ydel-, idelnesse, OE. idelnes.] Idleness, inactivity, indolence.(a) a1400 Legends of the Saints Prol. 7.
The vicis of ydilnes c1420 Wynt. vi. 267.
Thai suld noucht for ydilnes Fall in till iwyll thowlysnes a1487 Gud Wyf & D. 158.
Mekill ill cummys of ydilnas c1460 Consail Wys Man 234.
Langour and ydilnes, Quhilkis bringis dispar & hevynes 1530 Lynd. Test. Pap. 967.
Gret eais and ydelnes 1549 Complaynte of Scotland 9/35.
Quhou beit that the laubir vitht the pen … apeir to be ydilnes 1596 Dalr. I. 170/27.
King Mogal gaue him selfe ower to vice and ydilnes 1596 Ib. II. 91/5.
In religions places crap ydlenes(b) a1400 Legends of the Saints Prol. 2.
Idilnes giffis novrysingis To vicis a1400 Ib. xl. 233.
Suerdome & idilnes forto fle 1513 Doug. Direct. 41.
To pas the tyme and eschew idylnes 1562-3 Winȝet I. 128/13.
In idilnes and welthy lyfe
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"Ydilnes n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/ydilnes>
