A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1499-1587
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Mary, Marie, interj. [ME. and e.m.E. Marie (c 1350), Mary (c 1450), e.m.E. also Marry, Marrie, orig. the name of the Virgin Mary used as an oath.] An exclamation of asseveration or affirmation or of surprise (as in answering a question to indicate surprise that it should be asked), = ‘why, indeed, to be sure, assuredly, believe me.’ a1500 Peblis to Play 36.
Amang ȝon merchandis my erandis do Marie I sall anis mynt a1500 Taill of Rauf Coilȝear 367.
Mary 1540 Lynd. Sat. Proclam. 261.
Wald ȝe have my swerd? Ȝe mary sall ȝe at the first word 1540 Id. Sat. 422, 849. 1540 Ib. 857.
Sypeins, sir, sypeins, marie now ȝe hit it 1540 Ib. 1303.
Jennie my ioy quhair is thy dadie? Mary drinkand with ane lustie ladie 1540 Ib. 1960. 1567 Gude and Godlie Ballatis 207.
Marie [v.r. Mary], God thank ȝow, we sall gar brank ȝow, Befoir that tyme trewlie 1579–80 Annandale Corr. 25.
Mary the principall mater stude vpoun my Lord of Anguse consent 1586 Warrender Illustr. Sc. Hist. 27.
Marie! toutching yourself he utterit sindry good speatches 1587 Maxwell Mem. II. 161.
My howis is neir ane end (marie now) restis the reparraling within
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"Mary interj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/mary_interj>
