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.
Gem, Gemme, n.1 [ME. gemme (c 1275), OF. gemme, L. gemma.] A gem, jewel. Also fig.a1400 Leg. S. v. 157.
Small stauis of the sand He gadderit vpe … And turnyt tham m gemmys schene c1450-2 Howlat 344.
The jaspis joynit in gem, and rubyis inrold c1515 Kennedy Asl. MS. I. 274/41.
Ruby of reuth, riche las and hevinnis gem c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 201.
I wend I losit a gem, and I haif geit gottin Id. lxxxvi. 3.
O gemme joynit in joy angelicall 1513 Doug. i. Prol. 3.
Gem of engyine and flude of eloquens Id. x. iii. 35.
Lyke as ane gem … Departis the gold set amydwart the ryng c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 1377.
Thow was gem of gentilnes
