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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.

Hardly, adv. Also: hardlie, -lé; hairdlie, herdly. [e.m.E. hardly, hardely, in these senses from 1523. For the older senses, see Hardely.]

1. Severely, rigorously, harshly; resentfully; with hardship or difficulty.(1) 14.. Acts I. 51/2.
Of a fals charter ... Gif it be the charter privat with him tharof convickit it sal nocht be sa herdly delt 1577 Waus Corr. 144.
Your l. man apardoun me to wryit hardlie to yow, hecaus I am hardlie handillit be yow 1599 Aberd. Council Lett. I. 80.
They haif appearandlie gainstand it mair hairdlie nor any of us have yeit doone 1608 Elphinstone Mem. 158.
Otherueis ue uil be moued to think the hardlier of you 1647 S. Leith Kirk S. 78.
Some of the neighhours … took it hardlie(2) 1596 Dalr. I. 236/4.
Mony of thame compeled to seik thair leiueng hardlie, and with sair labour c1616 Hume Orthog. 32.
I leve hardlie 1629 Maxwell Mem. 202.
As to my Lord of Nidisdeillis awin turneis … thay go hardle Ib.
As to my awin afferis heir, thai go were hardle, … for my haill … howsell hes tane the pokis(3) 1570 Leslie 198.
Mony … war lykwyse hurt and eskaped verrey hardlie 1608 Bk. Univ. Kirk III. 1064.
Their untimous concurring … will hardly gett remeeded 1611 Annandate Corr. 277.
I thinke thai shall hardle gett him hear

2. Importunately, strongly.Also, closely, in close pursuit.(1) 1638 Kirkcaldy Presb. 132.
They being aughtand to her 4 sh. 6 d. she come to thair house and craved them veri hardlie for it(2) 1587 Crosraguel Chart. II. 60.
Quhair the said Sir William, folowing him hardlie, tuik him 1638 Henderson Serm. 251.
Pressing hardly towards the mark