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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Wichtnes, Wychtnes, n. [ME and e.m.E. wiȝtnesse (14th c.), wightnesse (1377), wyghtnesse (1393), wightnes (c1440).] a. Bravery, courage, strength, esp. in battle. b. Physical strength, fitness (of (a part of) the body). c. Strength, impregnability of a stronghold.a. c1420 Wynt. iii 302.
Tyll God his prayer he mad … Syne throucht Hys grace he wychtnes [W. wichtnes] wan, Quhare throucht his fays he put to dede 1596 Dalr. I 187/3.
This emperour, for his wichtnes in the weiris, decored him with all weirlie taknes 1596 Dalr. I 334/1.
He for his strang defence of the clergie of Scotland, and his wichtnes contrare the aduersar was maid bischop of Cathnesb. c1420 Wynt. iii 410.
Scho fraynyde fast off his [sc. Samson's] wychtnes Quhar in it stude, and how that he Mycht lychtlyest our-cummyn be c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 295.
As wis woman ay I wrought, and not as wod fule, For mar with wylis I wan na wichtnes [C. withtues] of handis 1533 Boece 195b.
He was chosin to pas in werefare apoun Peirs with the Emprioure Carus, quhare schortlie be wichtnes of handis and gude langage … he was create capitane to j^c speris 1596 Dalr. I 105/5.
Thay take plesure in the wichtnes of thair bodie, in safar that quhat may be done throuch arte & slycht oft thay neglectec. 1570 Sat. P. xxiv 30.
Doist thow beleif the wichtnes of thy wawis May keip ȝone knaif that slew our saikles prencis?