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.
Jem, n. Also : jem(m)e. [ME. (c. 1400) and e.m.E. Cf. Gem.] A gem, a precious stone.c1500-c1512 Dunb. xlviii. 153.
Cum blowme of joy with jemis to be cround 1513 Doug. v. vi. 50.
The bukkil claspyt with a jemmys poynt
b. Freq. fig., applied to a person or thing prized for excellence, beauty, etc. Also = the best or finest specimen or representative (of some class of person or thing or some quality).(1) a1568 Scott i. 5.
Welcum, oure jem and joyful genetryce c1590 J. Stewart 218/ § 72.
This jofull jem abowe all jowels best c1590 Fowler I. 96/375.
Than did my lowe, my iem and ioy, speik so 1591-2 Rob Stene 19.
That joyfull jem, that ruby rair(2) a1568 Scott xxvii. 1.
In June the jem Of joy and geme a1585 Arbuthnot Maitl. Q. xxxv. 185.
The fair Cornelia Wes jeme of eloquence a1605 Montg. Sonn. xlix. 4.
The margarit … As jem of jeuels, paragone but peir
