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.
Les, v.2 [Cf. Lesv.1 and Lis v. (and also Leis v.).] tr. To lessen, alleviate, mitigate (pain or suffering).c1460 Vertewis Mes 60.
Gif he pasis to hell it lesys his panis thar 1490 Irland Mir. fol. 148.
Send thi blist sone to me … to les and releue my hevy dolouris Id. Asl. MS. I. 32/7. a1500 Bk. Chess 31.
And vther sum thair langing for to les Gois to the riall sporting of the ches a1568 Bann. MS. 264 b/51.
Now ȝit my langour for to les My gentill jo gif me a kis
b. To relieve (the person) of the suffering.Cf. ME. lisse(n, lysse(n (Lis v.) in this application (c 1374–1483).a1400 Leg. S. xxxviii. 117.
Quhen nane sal vthir relefe … As for to les thame of payne c1500-c1512 Dunb. lxiii. 76.
Had I rewarde amang the laif It wald me sumthing satisfie And les of my malancolie 1535 Stewart 35763.
