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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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

LEESE, v. To cause the loss of. to destroy. Only in ballads.Sc. 1806 R. Jamieson Pop. Ballads I. 183:
It will leese thy sweet life, and thy young babie too.

[O.Sc. leis, to destroy, 1438, Mid.Eng. lese, O.E. -lēosan, id.]

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