Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

LEED, n.² Also lied (Edm.), leead, lid (Jak.); leeth(e), leith-. Diligence, energy, industry, application (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl., 1908 Jak. (1928)), common in phrs. to lay in leed, to lay leed (up)on, to apply oneself energetically (to). Hence leedfu, leethful, lidfu, diligent, industrious, persevering (Ib.). Also used adv. and leithfully, liedfilly, adv., id. (Ork. 1960); liddales, without leed, out of anything, e.g. provisions, at a loss (Sh. 1905 E.D.D. Suppl.); lidsom, = leedfu (Jak.). [lid]Sh. 1877 G. Stewart Fireside Tales 13:
It wis a graand thing ta be earnest an, leethful at your wark.Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 97:
Noo, gillies a', tae me gae heed, And leethfully me haevers read.Sh. 1891 J. Burgess Rasmie's Büddie 92:
Bit ean an aa baid grit an sma Ipo da soe lays leid.Sh. 1899 Shetland News (14 Oct.):
Why did doo no dell up wi' mair leed?Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.:
Nu, boys, ye man lay on gud lied.Ork. 1931 J. Leask Peculiar People 133:
Ae bony foreneun i' hairst a hale swad o' wives waar layan deir withs leithfilly, shairin' an' kempan at Cumminness.Sh. 1952 J. Hunter Taen wi da Trow 84:
See yon baand on yon snug cut square, Dat liedfilly yon black bools troo.