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.
LEENITY, n. Sc. form of Eng. lenity. Cf. P.L.D. § 42. [′linɪti. This pron. is sometimes also heard in Eng.]Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xvii.:
It'll be cheeng't wardles an' he binna able to haud's nain wi' them 't 's obleeg't till's leenity for ha'in' a reef o' ony kin' abeen their heids.