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 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

(Nede-,) Neidles, a. Also: need-, nead- and -les(s)e. [e.m.E. and ME. ned-, nede-, needles(se, ME. neddeles (Cursor M.), neodeles (a 1225).] Needless, unnecessary, uncalled for.(1) 1560 Rolland Seven S. 7699.
Quhilk war neidles schir gif ȝe knew my thocht 1582 Declar. Causis 22.
The neidles & prodigal consumptioun … of thir men 1614 Highland P. III. 166.
It was fund zat [sic] suche a generall concurrence … wes altogither neidles and vnnecessare 1615 Ib. 292. 1627 Aberd. Council Lett. I. 277. 1638 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 54.
And by a neidlesse noysse make it appeire that [etc.] Ib. 167. 1641 Stirling Chart. 122 n.
The [clause] is neidles being … dew to them by the actis of parliament 1669 Laing MSS. I. 373.
Ther owen neidles fears 1695 Douglas Corr. 286.
Wher I have been att eney neadles expence(2) 1631 Misc. Bann. C. I. 236.
As neidles for the private and publict worship of God(3) 1650 Laing MSS. I. 251.
It shall be altogether neidles for you to come forth(4) 1630-1651 Gordon Geneal. Hist. 223.
Some articles … which are tedious & neidles to relate Ib. 235.
It is neidles to discourse heir … of this controversie 1669 Dysart Rec. 79.