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.
Disperat, Disparat, a. [Late ME. dysperate (Caxton), var. desperate Desperat.] Desperate.1572 Reg. Privy C. II. 121.
In farder declaratioun of thair indurit and disperat evill will a1578 Pitsc. I. 130/13.
In so heigh matteris and disperat effairis 1614 Highland P. III. 168.
Such a suspition … as wold mak them … enter in some disparat course 1630 Brechin Test. IV. 399.
Giff it sal happin my debtis … to becum disperat and not soluendo c1650 Spalding I. 349.
Seing none would be cautioner in lawborrowis for him, being a disperat peice
