ˈpensiful, ˈpenseful, a. Obs. exc. Sc. and north. dial.
Forms: 5 pense-, penceful(l, 5–6 pensi-, penci-, pencyfull, pensyful, 5– pensiful, (Sc. 8–9 pencefu', 9 pensefu').
[f. pense n. or pensée + -ful.]
1. Thoughtful, meditative, pensive; anxious, brooding; melancholy, sorrowful. Obs. exc. dial.
| a 1450 [implied in next]. 1485 Caxton Paris & V. 7 Seyng hys doughter ful tryste and pensyful for thys. c 1489 ― Sonnes of Aymon iv. 120 She was contynuelly pencyfull & sory by cause that she myghte not here noo tydynges of her children. c 1489 ― Blanchardyn xxiii. 74 He went homward..all penseful of the wordes that he had herde of the pucelle. Ibid. l. 193 Wherof he had no grete Ioye, but became pencefull. 1587 Fleming Contn. Holinshed III. 1011/2 He..was verie carefull and pensifull how to recouer his countrie againe. 1865 Young Pictures 165 (E.D.D.) Chairs that when pensefu' ye may rock in. 1876 Whitby Gloss., Pensiful,..sorrowful. |
2. Sc. Conceited, giving oneself airs.
| 1788 Picken Now-a-days Poems 62 Fash't wi' three or four Sic pencefu' breed. 1825 Jamieson, Pensefu', Pencefu', adj., Proud, self-conceited, Ayrs[hire]. |