A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Alife, Alyfe, adv. Also: alyf, alyff, alayf(f. Variant form of Alive adv., also used in 17th cent. Eng.1513 Doug. ii. x. 143 Sm. (we remaning alife; B. alyve). a1585 Maitl. Q. lxxiv. 26 (no matche alyfe). 1581 Hamilton Cath. Tr. 67 b (mony ar ȝit alyff). 1596 Dalr. II. 232/24 (his first wyfe ȝit alyfe). 1644 11th Rep. Hist. MSS. App. vi. 56 (if he be alayf). 1683 Haddington Mem. II. 195 (if his grandfather wer alayff).
