A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1409-1436, 1501-1530, 1590, 1662
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Lay, n.2 Also: laye. [ME. lai, lay(e, OF. lai.] A lay, a poem for singing, a song. (Only in verse.)c1409-1436 Kingis Quair lxxxv.
The poetis that the sciencis knewe … of lufe in thaire suete layes 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. ii. 274.
This lay was red in oppin audience Of the musis 1513 Id. Æn. x. iv. 73.
Quhil that he sang and playt, as hym behwyt The dolly tonys and lays lamentabill 1513 Ib. xii. Prol. 195.
For amorus lays doith the rochys ryng 1662 Forbes Cantus (ed. 1666) xxv.
Like as the lark … With piteous voice doth chirk her yeelding lay 1530 Lynd. Test. Pap. 38.
[Poets] That ballattis breuis lustellie and layis, Quhilks tyll our prince daylie thay do present c1590 Fowler I. 82/147.
Betuix sa manye scalding sighs and havie layes of woe
