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.
Pers, Peirs, a. (ME. and e.m.E. pers (Chaucer), perse (15th c.), perske (c 1500), ‘in early writers, Blue, bluish, bluish-grey; in later writers often … a dark obscure blue or purplish black’ (OED.), OF. pers, perse (1080 in Grand Larousse), late or med. L. persus (cf. Pers n., Persan n.).) —?1438 Alex. ii. Prol. 7.
Flouris … Purpit bloncat pale and pers 1513 Doug. xii. Prol. 106.
Mony diuers hew Sum pers [Ruddim. peirs] sum paill sum burnet and sum blew
