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.
Heichly, adv. Also: heich-, heych-, hyech-, heigh-, heghly. [e.m.E. highly, late ME. hyghly, midland ME. heh-, heih-, hæhliche (c 1205); f. Heicha. Cf. Heichtly adv.]
1. In a high degree; extremely, greatly, much.c 1542 State P. MS. (Reg. H.) No. 27.
We wald ȝe aggregit heighlie to the king of Ingland this mater 1564 Crim. Trials I. 443.
Sen the said actioun tendis heichlie to oure honour and auctoritie royall 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 295.
It seameth … to tend … heichlie to the disadvantage of the king 1594 Stirling B. Rec. I. 86.
The effectuating of materis importing sa heichlie to religioun 1622 Grant Chart. 335.
A mater tuitcheing ws verie heighlie in honnour 1622-6 Bisset II. 62/5.
That the judges taxt the expensis of the pley in all causis … and that richt heichlie
b. With verbs of praise or condemnation, approval or disapproval.1560 Acts II. 534/1.
As in Dauid … and vtheris heichly commendit for thair zeall in that cais a1578 Pitsc. I. 54/7.
The censouris of hallie kirk quhilkis the Earle heig[h]lie weliependit 1581 Hamilton Cath. Tr. 84/4.
Thir Caluinian ministers quha louit so heichlie thair vpsetters 1606 Stewart Mem. 116.
The … resettaris of the said rebellis hes maist heichlie contempned ws 1622-6 Bisset I. 21/8.
Quhilkis … indges … of thair penmen hes sa heichlie thocht
c. With verbs, etc., denoting offence, indignation, and the like.1570 Leslie 38.
The King beand heichlie offendit at him Ib. 101.
The Quene … wes hyechlie offendit a1597-1617 Hist. Jas. VI 2.
The Queyne was so heighlie commovit … as she tuik na repose 1596 Moysie p. xvii.
His Majestie is heichlie exasperat aganis the makares c1650 Spalding I. 256.
The parliamentaris … becam heichlie offendit
d. To take (up) heichly, to take offence or become angry or indignant at, to resent.1591 Thanes of Cawdor 195.
This mater is mair heychlie tain up heir nor ye suppoun c1650 Spalding I. 258.
The King, heiring of this, takis it heichlie
2. In stately style, splendidly, nobly.15.. Clar. v. 1999.
Thir Lordis heralds heighlie did advance In thair coat armuris of gold
3. Proudly, hanghtily, scornfully.c1550 Lynd. Meldrum .
The Capitane answerit, heichly, And said ‘Tratour, we thé defy’
