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.
Bismere, Bysmer, n. Also: bismeir, bysmeyr, bysemeir; bismare, -mair. [ME. bismer, bysmare, bissemare, etc., OE. bismer, bismor, shame, disgrace, reproach.] A disreputable woman. Also attrib.1513 Doug. iv. Prol. 191.
Douchtir, for thy lufe this man hes gret dyseys, Quod the bysmeyr [v.r. bismeir, -mere] with the slekyt speche Ib. viii. Prol. 72.
Get ane bysmer [v.r. bysmeyr, bismare] a barn, than all hir blys gane is 1540 Lynd. Sat. 4234.
That bismair, war scho thair … Out of hell the Devill scho wald ding out 1560 Rolland Seven S. 238/9.
Thow bysemeir balamie, thy hippis sall thoill het haisteris
