A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1500-1513, 1581
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Evill-willy, a. [ME. evell willi (Wyclif), ivil-willy (c 1400).] Wishing evil to others; malevolent. 1513 Doug. v. xi. 105.
The matronys all Stude fyrst in dowt … , And with evil willy eyn the schippys behaldis c1500-c1512 Dunb. lxxv. 32 (M).
Be warme hairtit and nocht ewill-willie [B. illwillie] 1581 Burne Disput. 112 b.
In ane euil villie mynd [L. in maleuolam animam] … visdome sal not enter
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"Evill-willy adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/evill_willy>
