ferly adjective, noun, & verb. ['fǝ:li] Now chiefly Scot. & dial. Also ferlie.
[Old English fǣrlić, formed as FEAR noun¹ + -LY¹.]
A. adjective.
1. Sudden, unexpected. OE-LME.

2. Dreadful, frightful, terrible. ME-L16.

3. Strange, wondrous; remarkable, surprising. ME.
b. noun.
1. Wonder, astonishment. ME-L15.

2. Something strange or wonderful, a marvel; a curiosity, a novelty. ME.
■ Day Lewis Those ferlies you'll not behold Till the guardians of that valley have crossed Your hand with fairy gold.
b. A strange, unpleasant, or monstrous person or animal. L18.
C. verb intrans. Wonder, marvel at. LME.
■ R. Burns They'll..ferlie at the folk in Lon'on.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲