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.
Gersman, n. Also: gerys-, geirs-, gears-. [f. Gers n.] = Gresman n. (cottager). —1359 Exch. R. I. 571.
De firmis de Gersmanncars 14.. Acts I. 74/2.
That nane at his be maid of tynsal of lyff or of lym of na land haldand man na of gerysman [L. seu terre seu herbe] 1617 Urie Baron Ct. 23.
Quhatsumewer cotter or geirsman. disobeyis sall pey sex schillingis for ilk day 1618 Reg. Great S. 651/1.
Cum. cottariis et lie gearsmen