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.
Despis(e, Despyse, v. Also: despyis. [ME. despise (c 1300), despyse, OF. despis-, stem of despire. Cf. Dispise v.] tr. To despise, contemn, scorn.14.. Acts I. 380/2.
Thai that wilfully brekis, defoulis, or despisis the statutis of the apostolis 1456 Hay II. 151/24.
Kepe thé wele … that thou despis nocht a man for his law birth c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 396.
So I did him despise I spittit quhen I saw That … euill spreit 1562-3 Winȝet I. 31/14.
That God … had geuin the King and the preiste to be despysit a1500 Henr. Fab. 98 (Ch.).
Thow agane … may me as now despyis a1585 Maitl. Q. xcii. 4.
An worthy knight … Quhase lyflye spreit did warldlye things despyse
