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: 1567-1672
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Hartsum, -some, adj. Also: heartsom(e. [Hart n.1] a. Spirited, courageous; lively. b. Pleasant, agreeable. Also, that rejoices the heart, encouraging. —a. 1567 Satirical Poems iii. 101.
Now euerie Douglas of ane hartsum mynde, Think on dame Margaret a1605 Montg. Misc. P. xv. 54.
My colour changes in ane hartsum hewb. 1596 Dalr. I. 49/25.
The citie enioyes a … hartsum hauining place 1634 Rutherford Lett. (1862) I. 110.
Pray for … an hartsome Saviour a1658 Durham Clavis Cantici 17.
Sure it is a heartsome life to be near Christa1658 Ib. 111. a1658 Id. Comm. Rev. 217.
Christ is a most heartsome guest where He is entertaineda1658 Ib. 295. 1661 W. Thompson The Churches Comfort (1700) 48.
It will be heartsom to hear the chepman telling them when he goes abroad 1672 M. Bruce Rattling Dry Bones 7.
For it is ay heartsom to have ay a broad look of our own case1672 Ib. 41.
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"Hartsum adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/hartsum>
