A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Overhy(e, v. Also: ower- and -hey. [e.m.E. overhye (1582); Hy v. Cf. Ourhy(e v. (and OE. oferhíᵹian to overreach). Also in the mod. Sc. and north. Eng. dials.] To overtake by pursuit, also fig. Also b. to come upon by chance.1535 Stewart 4824.
The Albionis fast follouit on the chace; Quhome tha ouirhyit into ony place, Tha dang thame doun a1578 Pitsc. I. 300/13.
[He] passit fercelie efter the … committaris of the said cryme and ower hyit thame at Lythgow 1610 J. Maitland in Misc. Hist. Soc. II. 227.
Thair wes no possibilitie … to atteen to him or to overhy [pr. oversy] him 1635 Dickson Wr. 73.
If they be overheyed, they are turned hame at once c 1670 Row in Musselburgh 104.
I sall defy all the kirkmen in Edinburgh to overhye me till I be in Fyfe 1672 Justiciary Ct. Rec. II. 86.
He … having taken a shorter way did overhye [pr. overlye] the said boatfig. Urquhart Jewel (1834) 182.
Which of us should overhye the other in celerity [sc. of working]b. 1535 Stewart 56001.
Quhome euir he [a pirate] ouirhyit, … He gart him die than
