A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Beggar, Begger, v. Also: beggeir, begir. [e.m.E. begger (1528), from Beggar(e, n.] tr. To reduce to beggary; to cause to beg.1576 Reg. Privy C. II. 518 (beggarit in persute of his just heritage). 1583 Sempill Sat. P. xlv. pr. 32 (begg[er]it and banist). 1587 Bk. Univ. Kirk II. 716 (themselves beggeirit, and thair families hungrit). 1604-9 Grahame Anat. Hum. 16 (thou has begirt me). 1615 Highland P. III. 210 (the poore inhabitantis so beggerit … ).