certie, certy Sc.
(ˈsɜːtɪ, Sc. ˈsɛrtɪ)
[In my certies, which is in use as well as my certie, the word may be identical with certes, taken as a plural n., of which certie would be the assumed singular. But the history of the phrase is not clear; and it is difficult to say whether by my certy (certes) is genuine, or merely a literary ‘improvement’.]
Chiefly in phrase, my certie, as an ejaculation: By my faith, in good troth.
[Some have suggested a corruption of the F. mais certes ‘but certainly’; of this there is no evidence.]
| 1814 Saxon & Gael I. 80 (Jam.) By my certy ye shake your fit wi' the youngest o' them. 1816 Scott Antiq. xxv, ‘My certie! few ever wrought for siccan a day's wage.’ 1820 ― Abbot xvii, By my certes, I will warrant her a blithe dancer either in reel or revel. 1848 Kingsley Saint's Trag., iv. ii. 112 Certie, we were in luck. 1870 Blackmore Maid of Sk. 156 My certy, no low curiosity is this. |