laith

American  

[leyth] / leɪθ /

adjective

1. loath.

---

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 wad be laith to run an' chase thee, Wi' murderin' pattle!

From A Day with the Poet Burns by Anonymous

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

But I’se believe ye kindly meant it, I sud be laith to think ye hinted Ironic satire, sidelins sklented On my poor Musie; Tho’ in sic phraisin’ terms ye’ve penn’d it, I scarce excuse ye.

From The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham by Burns, Robert

I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee, Wi’ murd’ring prattle!

From The Log of the Sun A Chronicle of Nature's Year by Beebe, William

O laith, laith were our gude Scots lords   To weet their cork-heeled shoon; But lang ere a' the play was played   They wat their hats aboon.

From Lyra Heroica A Book of Verse for Boys by Various