Sc. [In my certies, which is in use as well as my certie, the word may be identical with certes, taken as a plural sb., of which certie would be the assumed singular. But the history of the phrase is not clear; and it is difficult to say whether by my certy (certes) is genuine, or merely a literary ‘improvement.’]
Chiefly in phrase, my certie, as an ejaculation: By my faith, in good troth.
[Some have suggested a corruption of the F. mais certes ‘but certainly’; of this there is no evidence.]
1814. [Mrs. Johnstone], Saxon & Gael, I. 8 (Jam.). By my certy ye shake your fit wi’ the youngest o’ them.
1816. Scott, Antiq., xxv. ‘My certie! few ever wrought for siccan a day’s wage.’ Ibid. (1820), Abbot, xvii. By my certes, I will warrant her a blithe dancer either in reel or revel.
1848. Kingsley, Saint’s Trag., IV. ii. 112. Certie, we were in luck.
1870. Blackmore, Maid of Sk., 156. My certy, no low curiosity is this.
