a. Also 7 fectful. [f. FECK1 + -FUL.] Efficient, vigorous, powerful.
1596. Dalrymple, trans. Leslie’s Hist. Scot. (1885), 108. Gif he be feckful, and haue grace to correct maneris in wicked persones.
1606. trans. Rollock’s Lect. 2 Thess. iv. ii. 49. Wher boldnes in preaching the Gospell is, there is effectualnes in it, & the man who hes this boldnes, is a fectfull man.
1678. R. MacWard, Let., in Scots Worthies (1826), 429. He was the most faithful, feckful compassionate and indefatigable elder.
1721. Ramsay, To Will. Starrat, 27.
| But feckfu’ fouk can front the bauldest wind, | |
| An’ slunk thro’ muirs, an’ never fash their mind. |
1722. W. Hamilton, Life Wallace, III. 28.
| Great room he made, so did his trusty men, | |
| Till mony a feckful Chiel that Day was slain. |
1811. Willan, W. Riding Gloss., Feckful, strong and brawny.
Hence Feckfully adv.
1723. McWard, Contendings, 153. That great man of God, who hath so faithfully, so fectfully, and so zealously served his Generation.
