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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Quotation dates: 1916-1929

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IDLETY, n. Also idelty. Idleness (Abd. 1825 Jam.; Ork., Abd. 1958); idle frolic, frivolity; occas. in pl. (Jam.).Abd. 1916 G. Abel Wylins 41:
I watch the aul' wind's idelty, When oot upo' the birl.
Abd. 1929 J. Alexander Mains & Hilly 196:
Ye're aye preachin' aboot sic a lot o' idlety 's there is amo' the young nooadays.

[O.Sc. ydilteth, id., c.1542. Idle, adj. + suff. -ty (O.Fr. -tet, Fr. -té).]

15144

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