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.
Mean, Mea(i)ne, late varr. of Mane n.1 or of Mene n.2 (complaint, lamentation). —c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 3712.
To here the meane that Alexander maid a1578 Pitsc. I. 150/1.
Than thay knew quhome too to mak thair meaine Ib. 286/28, 369/26.
Meane 1570 Leslie 290. Ib. 31, 32, 166.
Sho deceissed with gret regrait, in meane maid for hir throch the hoill realme 1600-1610 Melvill 23.
The heavie mean and pitiful regrat amangs men in all esteatts for the traiterus murdour of James Earl of Murro 1597 Ib. 432.
Deir damiselles, leave of your dreirie mean [: plean]
