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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Sensibly, -lie, adv. Also: sensibely, senseablie, sencablie. [Late ME and e.m.E. sensibly (c1425), sensybly (1526); Sensibil(l adj.]

1. In a manner clearly perceptible to the mind or awareness; clearly; evidently; to an appreciable or marked extent; obviously. 1582–3 Cal. Sc. P. VI 266.
[Because the matters be sundry, weighty and many, which I cannot so] senseablie [put in writing] c1599 James VI Basil. Doron II App. 307.
Mak it be sensibly knowen to all your people that in so doing thay shall please yowe 1623 Aberd. Council Lett. I 210.
His maiestie lykewayes salbe sensiblie interessed thairin 1638 Nat. Covenant in Facs. Nat. MSS III xcvii.
The innovations … doe sensiblie tend to the re-establishing of the popish religion 1638 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 191/2.
These nobles whom Jesus Christ hath … declaired sensiblie to be worthie of that title of nobilitie 1639 Johnston Diary I A 54.
That ye may perceave sensibely that we ar not negligent of your particular interest [etc.] 1655 Stitchill Baron Ct. 4.
That non … be sensibly drunke nor known to be drunk

b. Strikingly, forcefully. 1590-1 R. Bruce Serm. 73.
I call the word the haill institution of Christ Jesus, preached and proclaimed, denounced distinctlie, clearlie, and sensiblie to the people

2. In a commonsense manner; rationally, reasonably. 1595 Edinb. Test. XXVIII 270b.
In cais … scho and hir sone Wm. can nocht aggrie sencablie togidder