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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

Gain-, Gayn-, Gan(e)say, v. [ME. gain-, gaynsay (a 1300). Cf. Againsay v.]

1. tr. To speak against; to contradict, deny, or oppose. ?1438 Alex. ii. 8106.
I grant thairto; I ganesay nocht that ȝe will do 1456 Hay I. 261/18.
Gif … sum othir of hir frendis wald … gaynsay the crime 1481 Peebles B. Rec. 189.
Qwhylk ische and entre to the forsaid land … sall remain for euirmar and neuir be gansaid 1513 Doug. i. Prol. 96.
Quha mycht gaynsay a lord so gentill and kynd 1562-3 Winȝet I. 26/26.
That I … be expellit … for not assisting in gainsaying leis a1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. xcviii. 40.
Thai will tulȝe Giff ony thame ganesay 1603 Philotus xcii.
I … neuer sall ȝour will gane-say

b. To refuse or deny to one. a1570-86 Maitl. F. lxxxi. 24.
Play nocht bot at plesand playis … that nane gane sayis Vnto na princelie maiestie

2. intr. To say the contrary; to withdraw. a1500 Henr. Fab. 2266.
Ane man may say in greif, And syne ganesay, fra he auise and se