laith

American  

[leyth] / leɪθ /

adjective

1. loath.

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verb (used with object)

1. loathe.

Etymology

Origin of laith

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English lath, loth for the adjective; Middle English lath(i)en, loth(i)en for the verb

Example Sentences

I was laith to make awa wi’ the auld dowg, his like wasna atween this and Thornhill,—but, ’deed, sir, I could do naething else.”

From Spare Hours by Brown, John

“It seems a strange thing to ask a gift again, but I own I am laith to cut another.”

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 10 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis

When winter blaws in sleety showers, Frae aff the norlan' hills sae hie, He lightly skiffs thy bonny bowers, As laith to harm a flower in thee.

From The Modern Scottish Minstrel, Volume II. The Songs of Scotland of the past half century by Rogers, Charles

Meaning that although some people are slow or "laith" to begin a thing, still, when they do commence, it is difficult to get them to leave off.

From The Proverbs of Scotland by Hislop, Alexander

Go round by th’ end o’ t’ laith, if ye went to spake to him.’

From Wuthering Heights by Brontë, Emily