arch. Also 5 trystefull. [f. TRIST a.2 + -FUL 1.] Full of sadness; sad, sorrowful; dreary, dismal: cf. TRIST a.2

1

1491.  Caxton, Vitas Patr., II. (W. de W., 1495), 180 b/1. Entryng in his hermytage he founde hym trystefull and sore to the deth.

2

c. 1500.  Melusine, 305. That message was the cause of the trystefull doleur of the departyng of his wyf.

3

1602.  Shaks., Ham., III. iv. 50. This solidity and compound masse, With tristfull visage as against the doome, Is thought-sicke at the act.

4

1748.  Richardson, Clarissa (1811), VIII. lv. 251. How will thy tristful visage be illuminated by it!

5

1880.  Browning, Dram. Idylls, Ser. II. Pietro of Abano, xxi. Then did Peter’s tristful visage lighten somewhat.

6

  Hence Tristfully adv.

7

1847.  in Webster.

8

1880.  W. Watson, Prince’s Quest (1892), 31. The day, begun Tristfully, trailed an ever wearier wing.

9