† ˈtheftly, adv. Sc. and north. dial. Obs.
[Altered from ME. þefly, thiefly.]
By stealth, furtively.
| c 1400 Sc. Trojan War ii. 271 He gyffande thiftely ws till The palladinar at our will. Ibid. 623 Bycause þe palladinar was Out of þe temple tone thyftly. a 1485 Promp. Parv. (MS. S), Stelyngly (theftely), ffurtiue, latrocinaliter. 1498 Reg. Privy Seal Scot. I. 23/1, ix catell thiftly tane fra Thomas Sowtar. 1515 Nottingham Rec. III. 343 Reyseyvng off oder menys goodes theyftely. |