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.
Bismar, Bismer, n. Also: bismeyr(e, -mere, -myre, bus-, bwsmere. [ON. bismare, -ari (Norw. bismar, Sw. besmar, Da. bismar).] A form of steelyard used in Orkney and Shetland.1575 Oppress. Orkney 7.
In alteration ... of the auld weigh of the bismyre and pondlar of Orkney 1576 Ib. 35.
He causit ane new bismeyre to be maid, transmonting sax, sewin, or aucht merkis mair, betuixt the wecht and the hand that weyit Ib. 63.
The Comownis payit thair dewities … upone thair Lawrichtmanis bismeyre Ib. 86.
On his wecht callit the bismar for ilk tuelff lespound butter [etc.] 1602 Misc. Maitl. C. II. 145.
Quhair the Dutche merchandis … bringis to the contrie and sellis thair wairis with unlawfull mettis, kannis, bwsmeris and wechtis 1615 Ib. 181.
It is statute and ordainit that all pundleris and bwsmeris be markit with his Maiesties mark
