A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Desparit, Despaired, a. Also: -sparyt, -spairet. [ME. despeyred (Chaucer). Cf. Disparit.] Despaired; desperate.1513 Doug. 912/2.
Heir is endyt the lang desparyt wark 1558-66 Knox II. 165.
The Lord James, quha … eschapit a desparit danger in Pareise 1571 Sat. P. xxv. 29.
These despaired birdis of Beliall a1578 Pitsc. I. 27/3.
The erle as ane despaired man … rushit fordward in ane furie 1610 Rep. Sir Arch. Grant Mun. 240.
The King … was slane … vnhappilie be ane despairet fallow
