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.
Effray, v. [Late ME. effray (Caxton), OF. effrayer. Cf. Affray v.]
1. intr. To feel alarm.a1500 Doug. K. Hart 876.
Thai harde the meikle fore tour fall, Quhilk maid thame in the dungeoun to effray
2. tr. To alarm, scare, terrify.c1500-c1512 Dunb. G. Targe 207.
That sary sicht me suddanlie effrayit 1533 Bell. Livy I. 284/4.
The Romanis … be wilfull eruptiouns fra thare statiouns … effrayit the equis 1565 Inverness B. Rec. I. 119.
Mergret … so effrayt hyr that contenualle sen syne [scho] is in perrell of hyr lyf 1614 Highland P. III. 167.
I wold hawe a sycht of forces wiche wolde effray tham c1650 Spalding I. 84.
It amasit, effrayit, and feirit the haill people of Abirdene
3. To prevent by frightening.1588 King Cat. 58.
Fra this profane noueltie … effrayis vs the apostolique … doctrine 1610 Melrose P. 83.
For ane exemplarye punishment and effraying of others to commit the lyk insolence
