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.
Quotation dates: 1549-1583
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Belay. v. [e.m.E. belay (2577), app. not directly from ME. beley-, belegge.] a. tr. To belay or secure (a rope). b. To set or place (a ladder).a. 1549 Complaynte of Scotland 41/3.
The marynalis ansuert … stou, stou, mak fast & belayb. 1583 Edinb. D. Guild Acc. 177.
For bering of the twa greit standart leddaris … to the eist gawill of the kirk, and thair belaying the ane to the end of the tour
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