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.
Persing, vbl. n. Also: peirs-, peirce-, pearce- and -yng. [ME. and e.m.E. percynge (Chaucer), peercynge (Prompt. Parv.), piercing (1610).] Piercing, in senses of Pers v.(1) a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 207.
The brichtnes of his face … Nane micht behald for peirsing of his sicht 1490 Irland Mir. II. 40/33.
The body of Ihesu … come furth of the haly wambe … of his moder without ony persing or opynnyng of it 1508 Treas. Acc. IV. 121.
To Will Raa cultellar for … persing of holes in the Kingis harnes … cutting and persing in divers partis 1536 Edinb. Hammermen 147.
Gevin for peirsing of the sacrament bell the tovng in it & persing of the samyn(2) 1530 Lynd. Test. Pap. 813.
Under the pane of peirsyng of hir eine 1555 Acts II. 497/1.
That all sic persounis … be punist be peirsing of thair toungis 1561 Acts Sederunt ii. (1790) 3.
Be persing threw the toung 1616 Crim. Trials III. 416.
Pearceing a1633 Hope Major Pract. II. 295.
Peirceing
