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.
Hen-wyle, -wile, n. Also: henne-. [Hen n. 2.] A petty or contemptible wile or stratagem.1596–1600 Warrender P. II. 419.
He had red the Kings letters in the pulpit, … discussit and repellit the same … , calling thayme tryflis and henwylis 1601 Denmylne MSS. (1927) 36.
Ye maye helpe to prevene sicc henne wyles 1644 Baillie II. 249.
The King's commissioners … useing … such courses as savoured of their old unhappie and unprofitable way of hen-wiles a1689 Cleland Poems 55 (J).
[They] seeks out raw shifts and poor hen wiles
