Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Alwise, Alwyse, adv. Also: alwys, alwyis(e, alvyis, awyis; aluyse, aluise. [ME. alwise, alwyse (15th c.), f. All a. and Wise sb., but in Sc. chiefly used as a synonym of Alwayis.]

1. At all times; always. 1555 Edinb. B. Rec. 218.
That he sall incure na danger thairin, prowidand alwys that he ressaif na vtheris personis in to the said schip as merchandis 1559 Wodrow Misc. 275.
I proved my doctryne … , for whiche I sall be alwyse reddy to answer 1572 Maitl. Q. lxi. 75.
So tressoun is no Scottische gyse … Sen heir afflictit wichtis alwyse Hes euer ayd and favour found 1596 Conv. Burghs I. 477.
The said land mesour … salbe maid and vsit … exceptand awyis the Nyddisdaill mett Ib. 489.
Providing awyis that thai mak ȝeirlie compt c1615 Chron. Kings 183.
Thair wes auchtt chossin to rewll the Kingis effairis, … the Chancellar or the Bischop alvyis being ane 1668 Rec. Justiciary Ct. I. 273.
So that he was forced to flee alwise backward 1705 Conv. Burghs IV. 362.
Sir Robert being aluise comptable to the royall burroues … for what he receives

2. At any rate; nevertheless. 1558-66 Knox II. 126.
How the said Lord … was entreated we list nott reherse; but alwyis no Ratificatioun brought he unto us 1581 Burne Disput. 14 b.
Thair be monie vther thingis attour that, quhilk ye understand not, aluise the mater is maist cleir 1596 Dalr. II. 444/11.
Scottis be Dumbar passing to Leith mett be the way, or as sum say be Leith to Dumbar, alwyse be the way c1615 Chron. Kings 96.
Alvyis ane mair gratious and pleasabill princis rang newer in our dayis 1622-6 Bisset II. 175/22.
Alwyis the Bruce wes preferred as first borne eldest sone

3. In every way; altogether. 1567 G. Ball. 69.
For had not bene that blissit byrth, Mankynde alwyse had bene forlorne 1581 Burne Disput. 4 b.
Thou art aluyse ignorant of the scripturis