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

Stif(f)nes(s, n. [ME and e.m.E. styfnesse (Trevisa), stifnes (1552), stiffenesse (1577); Stif(f adj.] The quality or condition of being stiff in senses 1, 2, 4 a and 4 b of Stif(f adj. a. Inflexible, rigid. b. Inability to move freely. c. Steadfastness, unyieldingness. d. Obstinacy.a. 1582 Misc. Stair Soc. I 122.
The diversitie of … pennis in cleinness and stifnes, witht diversitie of inkis and parchementb. a1538 Abell 78b.
Be the contra gluterie makis ane man wnhabill to defend his self for stifnes of synnonis and wanisc. 1456 Hay II 58/7.
Thare is a vertew callit fortitude that is stifnes in hert aganis vice that will nocht falde no mare na rank stele 1456 Hay II 58/11.
The hie stifnes … of the vertu of fortitude 1603 Wodrow's Life of Bruce 120.
Stiffness and peremptoriness 1638 Baillie I 89.
The oppression there of the bishops on mens soules … is so pitifull [etc.] … The late uproares of the Innes of Court, we hear, shall be bot the proæme to the insequent tragedie, if Canterburie will be pleased to remitt nocht of his accustomed stiffnessd. 1551 Hamilton Cat. 47.
He is damnit afore God … for his awin electioun, wilfulnes and stifnes of his hart 1616 Craig-Brown Selkirkshire I 442.
The Presbytery … considering her stiffness and contumacie, ordered Mr. Alexander Hog to proceed against her, gif she do nocht repair [to the kirk] 1638 Baillie I 100.
My heart was sore grieved to see the unreasonable stiffness of many 1680-6 Lauder Observes 11.
A blind misguided light of zeall … and a stubborne praefractoriness and stifnes of humor