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: 1499-1560
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Borrow, n. [e.m.E. borrow, ME. borow(e, borwe, OE. borᵹe dat. sing. of borᵹ. Cf. Borowis n. pl.1 In Sc. a southernism for Borch, used for rhyme.] A pledge, surety. a1500 Henr. Fab. 511.
We sall fair weill; I find sanct Iohnne to borrow a1500 Tale of the Colkelbie Sow 714.
Scho … said, Sanct Johine to borrow, Thow lichit boy, thow menis mekle sorrow 1535 Stewart 35984.
All salbe weill, I fynd ȝow God to borrow 1560 Rolland Seven Sages 92/31.
I find ȝow heir the michtie God to borrow That he sall speik or the fyft day at morrow
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"Borrow n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/borrow_n>
