a. Obs. or dial. [f. SPIRIT sb.]
1. Having a spiritual or refined character.
1546. Bolton, Arraignm. Errour, 43. Others againe of finer tempers and spirits, that must be undone a finer way, a more spiritfull way, the grosse way is too low for them.
1643. Milton, Divorce, Introd. Wks. 1851, IV. 10. The spiritfull and orderly life of our grown men.
a. 1665. J. Goodwin, Filled w. the Spirit (1867), 387. That such a doctrine or ministry, which some count legal and low is far more spiritful and raised than [etc.].
2. Of persons: Full of spirit or animation; spirited, vigorons, energetic. (Freq. c. 1610–70.)
1598. Drayton, Heroical Ep. (1619), Catal., Couragious Poole and that brave spiritfull Queene.
1650. Howell, Giraffi’s Revolution Naples, I. 76. Naples,… the Nurse of so many valiant Champions, and spiritfull Cavaliers.
1673. O. Walker, Educ., 192. Making us stand upon our guard, which renders the mind more diligent, vigorous, brisk, and spiritfull.
1748. Richardson, Clarissa (1811), III. 63. Miss Howe is a charming creature too; but confoundedly smart and spiritful.
1851. Mayhew, Lond. Labour, I. 386/2. He was always a spiritful man, and it hurted him sorely that he should come to this at last.
1886. Cheshire Gloss., 332.
b. Of horses: Mettlesome.
1644. Digby, Nat. Bodies & Soul, 458. The spiritfull horse dutyfully beareth the soldier.
3. Of actions, etc.: Performed with, characterized by, spirit or vigor.
1614. Latham, Falconry (1633), 87. All which … tempteth the Hawke to flye couragiously with more eagernesse and spiritfull assurance to enioy him.
1643. Milton, Divorce, xi. Wks. 1851, IV. 50. And what is life without the vigor and spiritfull exercise of life?
4. Of liquor: Impregnated with some active or lively principle; spirituous.
1608. Sylvester, Du Bartas, II. iv. IV. Decay, 1155. The spirit-full bloud spins in his Father’s face.
1644. Digby, Nat. Bodies, xvii. 145. Wine, or other spirittfull liquors.
1662. Hibbert, Body Divinity, I. 312. Poyson … is subtle and spiritful, and therefore incorporates with that which is most subtle in man, his spirits.
1675. Baxter, Cath. Theol., II. II. 36. To know that the Drink is pleasant to the tast, exhilerating, spiritful.
transf. 1643. T. Goodwin, Child of Light, 97. That word is inspired with a principle, most quick, spiritfull, & active.
Hence † Spiritfully adv.; † Spiritfulness.
1644. Digby, Nat. Bodies, xxviii. 254. The exceeding life and spiritefulnesse of his eyes.
1655. trans. Sorel’s Com. Hist. Francion, IX. 10. Sir, said Nays, very spiritfully unto him, I plainly perceive [etc.].
a. 1665. J. Goodwin, Filled w. the Spirit (1867), 464. This same activeness and spiritfulness in the service of God.
