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.
(Oversprede,) Over-, Ov'rspreid, v. P.t. ovirspred. P.p. overspred(e, ovirspred. [ME. ouer-spræden (Layamon), -sprede(n, p.t. -sprad (c 1330), p.p. -sprad (Layamon), -spradde (1297), -spred (Cursor M.), e.m.E. over-, o'erspread, OE. ofersprædan. Cf. Ourspred(e.]
1. tr. To spread or cover (something) with something else.1611-57 Mure Dido & Æneas i. 419.
As much in length and breid As she could with an oxen hide ov'rspreid
b. P.p. Covered (with, also be, something, or with adv. of manner).(1) a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 340 (Ch.).
Thy lustie lyre ouirspred with spottis blak 15.. Clar. ii. 1342.
That na tre salbe seine for leif and floure Ouerspred with Mayis carpits of verdoure 1513 Doug. i. xi. 13 (Ruthv.).
Ouersprede 1560 Rolland Seven S. 1064.
With silk badkins that it be weill ouirspred Ib. 4340.(2) 1568 M. Napier Mem. J. Napier 110.
For, be the nummer of seik folk that gais out of the toun, the muir is abill to be ovirspred(3) 1535 Stewart 50342.
Thair bed Perfitlie maid wnspilt and weill ouir spred With bed and bowster arrayit all at richt
2. Of a thing: To spread or extend over (something else) . Also in p.p.(1) 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. Prol. 20.
The fragrant flouris blomand in thair seis Ouirspred the leuis of natures tapestreis 1611-57 Mure Dido & Æneas i. 78.
Let vs a navie then prepair with speid With wings displayed the seas to overspreid(2) 1567 G. Ball. 173.
This nycht I call idolatrie The clude ouerspred [B. ouirspred] hypocresie
