heartsome

comparative more heartsome · superlative most heartsome · alternative dialectal hartsome · alternative dialectal hertsome

1. archaicdialectalpoeticmerry, cheery, pleasant, delightful, attractive.

   Methought an heav'nly heartsome thing Where dew like diamonds did hing,

   1597, Alexander Montgomery, The Cherrie and the Slae

   5 more examples

   There thrust the bold straightforward horn To battle for that lady lorn; With heartsome voice of mellow scorn, Like any knight in knighthood's morn.

   1875, Various, Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 15,

   The delight, Due to this timely notice, unawares Smote me, and, listening, I in whispers said, "Ye heartsome Choristers, ye and I will be Associates, and, unscared by blustering winds, 30 Will chant together."

   1896, William Wordsworth, The Poetical Works of William Wordsworth, Vol. III

   The oak rose before me like a pillar of darkness; and overhead the heartsome stars were set in the face of the night.

   1907, Robert Louis Stevenson, Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes

   It was a great hour for him as he wheeled the barrow homeward, Elspeth once more by his side; but he could say nothing heartsome in Tommy's presence, and Tommy was as uncomfortable in his.

   1912, J.M. Barrie, Tommy and Grizel

   A rainbow is a heartsome thing, for it reminds us of a promise made long ago, and faithfully kept.

   1917, Nellie L. McClung, The Next of Kin