A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Pite-, Pyte-, Pitiable, -abill, a. [OF. piteable (13th c.), piti-, pitoiable, e.m.E. pytoyable (Caxton), pitoy- (1586), lamentable, piteabyl characterised by pity (1503). Cf. Pieteabil a.] a. Deserving of pity. b. Full of pity (for, of a person); compassionate. —1456 Hay I. 299/9.
To ay justice with merci melle efter as he seis caus piteable 1618 W. Barclay Well 6.
This water … hindereth the intollerable doloures of the pitiable grauels —1456 Hay II. 159/37.
And of all Goddis creaturis tobe piteable a1487 Gud Wyf & D. 137.
Be euir of pure folk pyteabill
