A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Hyre-woman, n. Also: hyr-, hyir(e-, and -voman, -woeman. [Cf. Hyreman.] A woman-servant hired for wages.1551 Hamilton Cat. 112.
Thow sall nocht cowet thi nychtbouris … servand, nor his hyir woman a1570-86 Maitl. F. clxxviii. 6.
Wydewis, maidnis, and hyre women [Q. hyire-wemen] Ib. 26.
The hyre women gettis na balbeis 1581 Burne Disput. 146.
That it is lesum to euerie man to tak his hyre voman and ly vith hir, quhen his vyf refusis 1685 Brechin Test. VII. 127.
To Margaret Tailȝour, hyre woeman, for ane years fee x lib.
