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 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Pithles, a. [e.m.E. pithlesse (1554).] Pithless, in various applications.a. That lacks strength or vigour. b. Without force or terseness of expression or style. c. Having no force or efficacy. d. Not potent sexually.a. c1590 J. Stewart 181/13.
Heirfoir ȝour pithles person to repois Tak my bak chalmerb. 1563 Ferg. Answer 2 b.
Althogh this pithles epistle haue lytle or no strength to deceauve any that haue … teasted of the treuth [etc.] c1590 J. Stewart 3.
Not onlie in electing of ane so small and fectles subiect … bot maist of all in pithles and vnplesand framyng of the samc. 1562-3 Winȝet I. 58/26.
Quhen all his blunt boultis and pithles artelȝerie ar schot, to infirm and adnull his awin cause rather than to strenthe the samin — a1568 Scott i. 67.
Thai purchest pithles pardonis fra the paipd. a1570-86 Balnavis Maitl. F. cxxix. 36.
At that semblance is no plesance Quhone pithles is thi pen