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.
Quotation dates: 1399-1599
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Nobil(l)y, Nobly, adv. Also: nobillie. [ME. nobliche (1297), nobeliche (1387), nobely (c 1375), nobly (14–15th c.), e.m.E. nobly.] In a noble manner:Worthily, finely; generously; with dignity; splendidly, magnificently; valorously. a1400 Legends of the Saints xxv. 201.
We pray ȝow thole ws pas nobly ?1438 Alex. ii. 16.
The King and all his cumpanie Ressauit he weill and nobillie 1456 Hay I. 175/36.
That he war nobly demaynit in prisoun 1456 Ib. 176/6.
Bot a noble knycht that ay has governyt him nobly 1456 Ib. II. 93/19.
Syttand … rycht nobly in kingly habilliament c1500-50 Brevis Cronica 326.
Ethfyne … regnit nobilly … threttie-one ȝeir c1500-50 Ib. 329.
He defendit his realme nobilly fra invasioun of Dannis c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 31.
Mony rich wardour That nature full nobillie annamalit with flouris c1500-c1512 Id. G. Targe 43.
Nobily 1533 Boece ix. xv. 327 b.
Nobilly 15.. Clariodus v. 338.
To sie thir mightie princes nobillie Reflect to uther 15.. Ib. ii. 1898; etc.
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"Nobily adv.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/nobilly>
