A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1500-1692
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Lousie, Lowsy, -ie, a. Also: loussie. [ME. (Piers Plowm. B) and e.m.E. lousi, lowsy (Chaucer), -ie, -é, lousy, -ie, f. Lous n.] Lousy, infested with lice, characterized by the presence of lice.c1500-c1512 Dunb. Flyt. 102 (B).
Wan wisaged widdefow, … Laithly and lowsy [M. lousie] c1500-c1512 Ib. 121.
Baith lowsy in lisk and lonȝe c1500-c1512 Ib. 178. c1500-c1512 Id. xxvii. 41.
He had full mony lowsy harlott Round rynlnand him aboute a1568 Bannatyne MS 140 a/19.
For lowsy semis that thow hes bittin Thy gwmis ar giltin 1558-66 Glencairn in Knox I. 74.
Your cord and lowsie coit and sark 1581-1623 James VI Poems I. 163/465.
The ouglie lousie phtiriase … That euen makis kingis more filthie then thaire beggeris
b. As a mere term of abuse: Lousy, filthy, scurvy, vile.1566–67 Inverness Rec. I. 146.
The said Ewin … callit me in Erse blew lowsie minister 1578–9 Glasgow B. Rec. (M.C.) 156.
For iniuring of the officiars … in calling of thame lowsy smyks a1605 Montg. Flyt. 383.
Say. lowsie lowne, quhat evir thow lykis a1585 Polwart Flyt. 749 (H).
Lousie lugges, leape juggs, toome the muggs on the midding 1664 Cramond Ch. Cullen 130.
For calling her … filthie queen and loussie hussie 1669 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. III. 92.
He … called him base rascall and lowsie knave 1692 Presbyterian Eloquence (ed. 2) 80.
Poor Scotland, … scabbed Scotland, lousie Scotland
