A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1513-1596
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Swiftnes, n. Also: swyftnes, suiftnes, swoftnes. [ME and e.m.E. suiftenes (Cursor M.), swyftnes (Rolle), swiftenes (c1400); Swift adj.] a. Speed, rapidity. b. The capacity for speedy movement. —a. 1562-3 Winȝet II 20/21.
Leste … the wecht of the mater be swiftnes of speche suld nocht be persauit —b. 1513 Doug. xii ii 85.
To speke of speid thar [sc. the horses'] swyftnes was ontald 1531 Bell. Boece I 210.
Seand thair houndis of les reputatioun than the Scottis, baith in bewte, swiftnes … and hardiment 1596 Dalr. I 20/14.
The secund kynde of hunting dog is … a beist of a meruellous audacitie and suiftnes 1596 Dalr. I 99/16.
The reiuers selfes quha ar baith of a wondirful swoftnes and lychtnes
