adv. Obs. [f. ALL in a concessive sense, although, even though (cf. ALBEIT) + BUSY, earlier bysi. Lit. even though busy, even though with trouble or pains, hence with difficulty, hardly. Cf. Fr. à peine.] Hardly, scarcely, barely.
1297. R. Glouc., 81. Ac albysi were yt ten ȝer, ar heo here aȝeyn were.
c. 1425. Seven Sag. (P.), 1559. ‘Sire,’ quod the stiwarde anoon, ‘Al byssi schal I fynde oon.’
