Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
ALLEVOLIE, -VOLY, adv. and adj.
1. adv. At random.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
“I spake it quite allevolie.” I spoke it at random. It is sometimes written entirely in the Fr. form.
2. adj. Giddy, volatile.Sc. 1788 Ep. to Mr R. Burns in Scots Mag. L. 559:
And gin ye really trow the Bible, However mickle ye sou'd scribble, Ne'er like ane allevoly fribble Gi' it a sneer.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
“An alle-volie chield,” a volatile fellow.
