Literary notes about Sithe (AI summary)
The word “sithe” appears in literature with a remarkable range of meanings and functions. In some instances it serves a temporal or causal purpose, effectively substituting for “since” or “because” to introduce a reason or condition, as noted by its formation from “sithence” ([1]) and usage in conditional expressions ([2], [3]). At other times it conveys tone or sentiment; phrases such as “with a deep sithe” capture a profound emotional or reflective quality in dialogue ([4], [5], [6], [7]). Additionally, “sithe” is employed literally to denote parts of objects or tools, as seen in references to a “sithe-handle” or agricultural implements ([8], [9]). The term even finds a place in proper names and mythic designations, evident in the historic attribution of St. Sithe’s church ([10]), underscoring its versatility within the literary tradition.
- But Johnson and others say, it has been formed "by contraction from sithence , or sith thence , from sithe , Sax."— Joh.
— from The Grammar of English Grammars by Goold Brown - I thought you were going to cut the hayfield to-day—if a heavy shower comes, it will be spoil'd; it has been fit for the sithe these two days."
— from The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction
Volume 13, No. 369, May 9, 1829 by Various - And sithe thou couldest not conteyne from suche dishonest loue, I woulde it had pleased God, that thou haddest taken a manne, equall to thyne estate.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - And I thought,” says he with a deep sithe, “I thought I should get as much agin praise as she did.
— from Sweet Cicely — or Josiah Allen as a Politician by Marietta Holley - And Josiah with a deep sithe paid our fares, and we meandered onwards.
— from Samantha at the World's Fair by Marietta Holley - "Wall," sez I, with a deep sithe, "I had thought on't, but I'd kinder dreaded the job."
— from Samantha at the World's Fair by Marietta Holley - And he said with a deep sithe, "I am ready, and more than ready.
— from Samantha at the World's Fair by Marietta Holley - Rifle, 17/14, s. "a rifle or ruffle is no more than a bent stick standing on the butt of a sithe-handle.
— from Fiue Hundred Pointes of Good Husbandrie by Thomas Tusser - maketh Hay in a Meadow , cutting down Grass with a Sithe , 23.
— from The Orbis Pictus by Johann Amos Comenius - “Sithe Lane (says Stow the historian) at the east end of Watling Street, London, is known as St. Scythe’s Lane, so called of St. Sithe’s church.”
— from Records of Woodhall Spa and NeighbourhoodHistorical, Anecdotal, Physiographical, and Archaeological, with Other Matter by James Conway Walter