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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Spritly, Sprightly, adj. (adv.). Also: spretely, spiritly. [e.m.E. sprightly (1596), spritly (1598), spiritley (1629); Spirit n.]

A. adj. 1. Of a person: Full of vivacity, animated, cheerful; physically active. 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 279.
These and a great many more … went with them, and 300 … men in armes mett them att Dorris, and thence forward to the country, conducted by these spritly swift footed guids 1681 J. Menȝies Sermon at the Funeral of Sr. A. Fraiser 30.
Oftimes to virtue riches are a clog, Necessity some sprightly souls doth jog 1694 Misc. Hist. Soc. V 267.
She was to look upon as gracefull, healthfull, and spiritly as any … but nine dayes ago, and now in the possession of death

2. Of an action: Involving physical activity, energetic, lively. 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 171.
They used swimming, arching, football, … dancing, wrestling, and such manly sprightly exercises and recreations, very fit for polishing and refining yowth

B. adv. Of an action: In a lively manner, vigorously. 1513 Doug. ix iii 116 (Ruthv.) (see Spirit n. 7 pl. (1) above).
Spretely