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.
Ges, n. Also: gess(e, ghesse; gais, gaiese. [ME. gesse (c 1330), f. Ges,v.] A guess, guessing; esp. in be ges.c1420 Wynt. v. 4339 (W).
Litill or ellis nocht be ges [R. nevertheles] Wauerand fra the suthfastnes 1513 Doug. v. i. 10.
The Troianys in thar breistis tuke a ges Quharfor it was 1535 Stewart 85.
Tha maid thair buikis … Part be ges, and part be fenȝeit fabillis Ib. 55526.
Gif I haif ony ges a1568 Scott xxxiii. 24.
Thow … markis quhair nevir styme thou seis Bot hittis be gais [: expres] c1590 J. Stewart 30/6.
Thy fickill fancie, … Dois fram be gaeise of thy tuo blindit eis a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 451.
Slip na certaintie for hope, Quha gydis thee bot be gesse 1665 Nicoll Diary 430.
To … mak ane resonable gess
