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.
Nere, Neir, v. Also: neire, neer. [f. Nere adv.2; e.m.E. neere (1582), neare.] To draw or come near (to), to approach. a. intr. b. Const. to. c. tr.a. 1513 Doug. xii. xii. 147.
The swypir Tuscan hund assays And nerys fast c1520-c1535 Nisbet Matth. iii. 2.
The kingdom of heuenis sal neire Ib. ix. 20.
A woman … neirit behind and tuichet the hemm of His clathe Id. Luke xxi. 8; etc.b. c1520-c1535 Nisbet Luke xv. 1.
And publicanis and synnaris war neirand to Him to here Him Id. Heb. vii. 19.
Be quhilk we nere to [pr. to to] God Id. Matth. viii. 5. 1562 Stirling B. Rec. I. 80.
(He) hes promest … to turne frome his wickitnes & return & neir to his wyff & barnesc. a1508 Kennedy Pass. Christ 1329.
For him nerit the nycht 1533 Boece ix. xvi. 330.
Ferquhard hounding ane wolf that was nerit be the houndis 1570 Breadalbane Lett. 7 June.
Thai followit vpoun with gret deligence and nerit him in Glenlyon
