bightsome

Scots

Alternative forms

• bightsom

Etymology

From bight +‎ -some, or alteration of Middle English buhsum (“obedient, flexible”), from Old English *būhsum (“bendable, flexible, pliant, obedient”). Compare also Dutch buigzaam (“flexible, pliant”), German biegsam (“flexible, pliant”). See also buxom.

Adjective

bightsome (comparative mair bightsome, superlative maist bightsome)

1. Having an air of ease combined with activity; easy; light; active.
   • 1958, David Daiches, The present age in British literature:

     Lively, louch, atweesh, atween, / Auchimuty or aspate, / Threidiri through the averins / Or bightsome in the aftergait.

     Lively, dull, betwixt, between, / Paltry or in flood, / Completely dry through the heather-stems / Or buoyant through the outflow.