Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FREEVOLOUS, adj. Gen.Sc. form of Eng. frivolous. Also frivolis (Sh.).
1. As in Eng. Also adv. = from a small or trifling cause, in a slight, insignificant way. Hence n. freevolity (Wgt. 1912 A. O. W. B. Fables frae French 9).Sc. 1826 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) I. 125:
Auld folk that play cairds have been raither freevolous, and no muckle addickit to thocht.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 123:
Maybe he'll mention some freevolous bit thing that'll dae me some guid.Abd. 1929 J. Alexander Mains and Hilly 79:
“It's a naisty thing a strain. . . .” “An' ye'll get them sae freevolous tee.”
†2. Sh. usage: weak, sickly, delicate (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.).Sh. 1897 Shetland News (25 Dec.):
Doo is shürely as frivolis as a bairn.
