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.
LICHTLIFIE, v. Also -fy, lychtlefye (Slk. 1820 Hogg Winter Tales II. 41); lightlafee. To scorn, depreciate, disdain, to Lichtlie (Rxb. 1825 Jam.; ne.Sc., Per. 1960). Freq. in ppl.adj., scoffing, scornful (Per. 1960), and vbl.n. disparagement, contempt (Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 105).Dmf. 1825 Jam.:
When the Laird lichtlifies the Lady, sae does a' the Kitchen-boys.Bnff. 1869 W. Knight Auld Yule 122:
Young ministers, wha better sud hae kenn'd, Hae in the poopit lichtlified baith thae.Rxb. 1871 H. S. Riddell Poet. Wks. II. 173:
But aye they said 'twas weary way, And lightliefied the tale I'm telling.Abd. 1880 W. Robbie Glendornie ii.:
Far be't fae me t' lichtlifee the man.Sh. 1897 Shetland News (10 July):
I niver spak' o' dee in a lightlafeein wye.Sc. 1918 H. P. Cameron Imit. Christ i. ii. 4:
The raal knawledge an' lichtlifiean o' ane's ain sel.Abd. 1924 M. Argo Janet's Choice 23:
Dinna come ben here and think to lichtlify the offence.
