Obs. (Chiefly Sc.) Also 4 uanwite, 4–5 wane-wit, -wyt. [ME. f. WAN- + WIT sb. Cf. G. wahnwitz, Sw. vanvett, Da. vanvid, Norw. vanvit.] Lack of wit, foolishness.

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a. 1400.  Symb. Passion, 72, in Leg. Rood, 180. Schild me from pein of helle pit Þat i haue deseruud þorow uan-wite.

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c. 1425.  Wyntoun, Cron., VI. Prol. 48. Giff it war wilfully forȝhet, It walde be repute vnkyndnes, Wanwit, or þan reklessnes.

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1456.  Sir G. Haye, Law Arms (S.T.S.), 300. Prodigalitee … cummys of grete foly and wan witt.

4

a. 1500.  Ratis Raving, etc., 565. It is better a pur wys barne na an auld fule kinge, quhilk fore wane-wyt may perys a realme.

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a. 1500.  Bernard. de cura rei fam., I. 400. Thar moderis þan desyris mariage Quhilk is wanwyt and foly in þar age.

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  Hence † Wanwitty a. Obs., foolish.

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a. 1500.  Ratis Raving, etc., 454. Fulys and wanwitty men.

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