liefsome

English

Alternative forms

• leefsome
• leesome (Scottish)

Etymology

From Middle English lefsum, leofsum, probably from Old English *lēofsum, equivalent to lief +‎ -some. Compare Old High German liobsam (“liefsome”), German liebsam.

Adjective

liefsome (comparative more liefsome, superlative most liefsome)

1. (dialectal, poetic or archaic) Agreeable; pleasing; delightful.

   The manner in which he treated my dog did not seem very liefsome to me.

   • 1854, Henry Howard Surrey (Earl of), Thomas Sackville Dorset (Earl of), Robert Bell, Poetical works of Henry Howard, earl of Surrey:

     So forth I go apace to see that liefsome sight, And with a kiss, methinks I say, 'Welcome, my lord, my knight; [...]'

Related terms

• lief

Anagrams

• lifesome