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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Smere, Smeir, v. Also: smear, smaire, smore, smure. [ME and e.m.E. smurien (c1175), smere(n (c1250), smer (Cursor M.), smire(n (c1305), OE smir-, smyr-, smerian. Cf. MDu. smeren, smieren, smaren.] tr.

1. In derogatory use: To anoint ceremonially.1550 Knox III 50.
The cuppe ye reservit to yow, clippit in the crounis and annoyntit upon the fingeris … But tell me, Papistis, wer the apostillis clippit and smeirit as yow be?

2. To anoint, cover (ou(i)r), spread or daub (with) a (usu. sticky or greasy) substance. Also, once, said of the substance. Also fig.(1) 1560 Rolland Seven S. Schort Schawing 31.
The author sayis to the buik … Ga … smeir thé ouir with smiddie smuik 1562-3 Winȝet II 64/27.
Thai smeir oure thair mowthes with hwny a1605 Montg. Flyt. 286 (T).
This ghaist … sweillit in ane swyneskin and smeirit our with sute 1596 Dalr. I 93/27.
Thir sarkis the mair potent amang thame vset to smeir with saffroune 1617 M. Works Acc. (ed.) II 72.
For a laid of colles to the man that smeiris the cannostokes 1579, 1617 Despauter (1617) 126.
Linere, to smeir or anoint 1623 Perth Kirk S. MS 14 May.
The cure scho wseit wes onlye be … smeiring him ower with swynis seame a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 1400.
Smere the fat swis ers 1662 Crim. Trials III 610.
We cam in to Mr. Harie Forbes chalmer … with owr handis all smeared(b) 1634 Wedderburn Gramm. 58.
Lino litum, to smaire over(c) c1450-2 Howlat 825 (A).
Thai fylit [him] fra the fortope to the fut … The barde, smaddit lyke a smaik smorit in a smedy, Ran fast to the dure(d) 1682 Lauder Observes App. iv 304.
All agreed that ane printed copy should be … smured over with tallow butter or what else might make maist tempting to his [sc. a dog's] appetit(2) 1615 M. Works Acc. (ed.) I 363.
For ten pyntis of tar to smeir the cannon stokisfig. 1596 Dalr. I 239/33.
That his terrible statutes smeiret ouer as it war with thir … plesaunt allurmentis the esilier mycht take rute in the hartes of his peple 1596 Dalr. I 296/9.
Sche smeiris baith his mynd and eires with thir wordes

b. specif. To rub (sheep) with an appropriate substance to keep out wet, prevent disease, etc. Also in the later dial. Also in fig. context. 1659 Melrose Reg. Rec. I 234.
He knowes not how many wes of the hoggis, bot he himselff did smeir them 1684 Symson Descr. Galloway 72 (see Smerit ppl. adj. 2).
Smear 1698 Foulis Acc. Bk. 241.
To the herd John to buy tarr and butter for smeiring 12 wedders and 3 yewesfig. a1568 Scott i 94.
Sic sanctitude was Sathanis sorcereis, Christis sillie scheip and sobir flok to smeir

3. transf. To over-ornament (a garment). 1593 Lennox Mun. 463.
Clething … that salbe ony wys begaried, laid ower, or smered with ony kynd of pasimentis [etc.]