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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.

Ernist, a. Also: ernest, eirnist, earnist, airnest. [e.m.E. earnest, ernest, ME. ernyst, OE. eorneste.] Earnest, serious, intense.

1. Of feelings, desires, matters, etc.(a) 1562-3 Winȝet I. 25/16.
[He] gaif copiis thairof as it had bene ane ernist mater 1573 Reg. Privy C. II. 193.
The ernist motioun and solistatioun of the Quenis Majestie of Ingland 1596 Dalr. I. 1/9.
A certane ernist or hett affectione of the catholik religione 1607 Misc. Abbotsf. C. 74.
Carying a ernest intentioun and studious indevoir to be a scoller(b) 1585 James VI Ess. 55.
As I tuke earnist and willing panis to blok it … for ȝour cause 1594 Conv. Burghs I. 444.
For the zeale and airnest affectioun he beyris to the advancement … of the throne of Chryst 1603 Aberd. B. Rec. II. 241.
Be thair eirnist travellis he wes content to accept payment for 45 compleit stand of armour 1607 Highland P. III. 97.
By the earnist entreatie and solistatioun of ȝour Maiesteis chancellair

2. Of persons. 1574 Reg. Privy C. II. 401.
Ernist and affectionat weilwillaris to the avancement … of our Soverane Lordis authoritie a1578 Pitsc. I. 141/2.
Quhen he was maist bessie and earnist in the persuit thairof 1589 Maxwell Mem. II. 165.
My men … was ernist to haif steyit thair guidis and geir onreft thame 1616 Haddington Mem. II. 133.
Howpeing … I am nather too airnest a sooter for my awin benefeit 1634 Stirling's Royal Lett. II. 726.
That ye be ernest with such persones as ar otherwayes interested