A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Marmaid, Mairmayde, n. [e.m.E. and ME. mermaid, -mayde (14th c.), also meer- (15th c.), mere- (15th c.), meyre(1533), mare- (1622).] = Marmaidyn. —15.. Clar. iv. 2461.
The fourte ane marmaide was, with traces bright 1580-92 James VI Lusus Reg. 26.
As marmaides haitis all men by natures uill c1590 Fowler I. 147/12.
Subvert her … That doth a mairmayde and Medusa prove 1595 Duncan App. Etym.
Siren, a marmaid
