We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By clicking 'continue' or by continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings in your browser at any time.

Continue
Find out more

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

SWEETLY, adj., adv.

I. adj. Effective of their kind, thorough; in quot. of blows: good hard.Bnff. 1854 Banffshire Jnl. (31 Oct.) 3:
He had been in company home with the Riddocks and Geddes, and that he had “laid in some sweetly licks” into them coming up the road.

II. adv. Emphatically, with force and feeling (Ork. 1972).Ork. 1880 Dennison Sketch-Bk. 67:
I can sweetly swaer, fower better fellows never sat doon tae a drinkan' teeble.

[Also in Eng. dial. = well, thoroughly. Mid.Eng. has sweetly, sweet.]

26457

snd