We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BARELY, adj. In sense of bare. Obs.Per. c.1800 Lady Nairne Songs (1869) 135:
They trusted you, dear Charlie, They kent you hiding in the glen, Your cleadin' was but barely.

[An unusual use of an adv. Phs. elliptical or influenced by adjs. like manly, bairnly, etc. Cf. poorly.]

1843

snd