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.
‡GRIEVOUS, adj. Also Sc. forms grievious (Sh. 1955), obs. in Eng. since 17th c., greifious.
1. As in Eng. = pitiful, exciting sorrow (Sc. 1900 E.D.D., grievious), oppressive, serious. Adv. greviously.s.Sc. 1857 H. S. Riddell Psalms x. 5:
His wayes ar alwæies greifious; thy juudgemints ar fer aboone owt o' his sicht.Ayr. 1884 A. Glass Adventures 157:
The consummate villain, to gang and imperil a decent man's life that he has greviously wranged already.
2. Offensive, having a bad smell. Found also in 16th c. Eng.Sc. 1752 J. Louthian Process App. 277:
The Sheriff is required to visit and inspect such Room, and to disallow or prohibit the Use of the same, in case it shall appear to be grievous or unhealthy.
