Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DANDILLY, DANDILY, n., adj.
1. n. “One who is spoiled or rendered foolish by being too much made of” (Ags., Fif. 1808 Jam.); “a young person who through over-indulgence is become feeble in body, or pettish in temper, or both” (Uls. 1924 (2nd ed.) W. Lutton Montiaghisms). Sc. 1826 H. Duncan William Douglas II. i.:
Bedizened as if they were the dandillies of a drawing-room.
2. adj. Petted, pampered, spoilt by too much admiration; “celebrated” (n.Sc. 1808 Jam.); fancy, over-ornamented.Sc. 1806 R. Jamieson Pop. Ballads I. 320:
And he has married a dandily wife.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Marri'd and woo'd i.:
Marri'd an' woo'd an' a', marri'd an' woo'd an' a', The dandilly toss of the parish, is marri'd and woo'd an' a'.Fif. 1895 “S. Tytler” Kincaid's Widow xv.:
What care I though Jean, Leddy Wedderburn wore sic dandilly shoon ilka day she lived?
