† alˈbysi, alˈbyssi, adv. Obs.
[f. all in a concessive sense, although, even though (cf. albeit) + busy, earlier bysi. Lit. even though busy, even though with trouble or pains, hence with difficulty, hardly. Cf. Fr. à peine.]
Hardly, scarcely, barely.
| 1297 R. Glouc. 81 Ac albysi were yt ten ȝer, ar heo here aȝeyn were. c 1425 Seven Sag. (P.) 1559 ‘Sire,’ quod the stiwarde anoon, ‘Al byssi schal I fynde oon.’ |