Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1924-1950
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FAINLY, adj. Also faenly (Sh. 1866 Edm. Gl.); fainli (Sh. 1914 Angus Gl.). Showing or inspiring fondness, amiable, affectionate.Sh. 1924 J. Hunter Sketches 105:
Far be it fae me ta mean at you're na a' bonnie fainly, weel-contrived lasses.Sh.13 1950:
A dog which likes petting would be "fainly", and a child which motivates affection would be a "fainly ting."
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"Fainly adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 5 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/fainly>
