A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Ferly, Ferlie, adv. [ME. ferly (c 1330), ON. ferliga, monstrously. Cf. Farly adv.] Marvellously, wonderfully, extremely.1375 Barb. xiv. 322.
It angerit him richt ferly fast Ib. xix. 70. a1400 Leg. S. v. 576.
Thare come a lycht fra the hewyne … sa ferly brycht Ib. xvi. 465.
Than was the lord ferly wa c1450-2 Howlat 511.
Full ferly fele has he feld and slane in the flicht 1456 Hay II. 110/7.
Thare was send thé a maidyn rycht ferly faire a1500 Henr. Fab. 1572.
The faire forrest with … floures ferly sweete Id. III. 114/16.
O ȝowtht, thi flowris fadis ferly sone a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 795.
Than schir Spynagros … wox ferly unfane c1500-c1512 Dunb. xxxvii. 10.
This angellis … face as fyrflaucht flawmit, ferly brycht 15.. Clar. i. 818.
Ressavit he hes the wompill ferlie fair c1550 Rolland C. Venus ii. 1024.
Howbeit we be in number ferlie few
