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.
Bers, Bars(e, n. Also: bairs. [Older F. berce (berche), barce, of obscure origin.] A small cannon. See Bas n.2(a) 1538 Treas. Acc. VI. 413.
Item. … bocht to his grace iiijxx vj bersis of irne, ilk bers havand iij chalmeris with vijxx and x slotis 1549 Compl. 41/34.
Mak reddy ȝour cannons, … pasuolans, bersis, doggis, doubil bersis(b) 1539 Treas. Acc. VII. 213.
The cariage of pulder, bullottis, irne barsis, and grete bellis fra Leith to the castell 1544 Ib. VIII. 304.
For carrege of v doubill barsis to Leith 1557 Admir. Ct. Bk. 28.
Thre peces of artalȝeary callit double barsis with vj chalmeris pertenand thairto 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 1108.
Ane dowbill barse of irne. Item, ane singill barse 1577 Reg. Privy C. II. 659.
Thre barssis, twa falconattis 1581 Edinb. Test. IX. 174 b.
Sex bairsis of irne Ib. 278 b.
Item foure singill bairsis 1592 Ib. XXIV. 359 b.
Ten pece of altailȝerie callit bars
