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.
Megir-, Meger-, Migarnes, n. [e.m.E. meagrenesse (1599).] a. Thinness of body, leanness. b. Littleness of spirit. —a1570-86 Dunb. Maitl. F. xxxiii. 12.
Ȝe tak that migarnes [Aberd. MS. megernes] of ȝour mother, Ill wyne to test scho did disdene 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. i. 23.
Had not bene that, certes my hart had brokin For megirnes and pusillamitie
