Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
¶WANLESS, adj. Pale, wan, frail (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.).
[Orig. doubtful. Poss. a confused form of n.Eng. dial. wanly, in poor health, sickly, pale, deriv. of wan.]