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.
Pleyar, -er, -our, n. [Only Sc. Pley v.] a. A litigant. b. A brawler or disturber of the peace. —1580 Edinb. B. Rec. IV. 161.
Conform to the laitt act of parlyament maid anent wilfull pleyares within burgh 1587 Acts III. 447/1.
Vnderstanding that the maist pairt of the lieges … ar becumin wilfull obstinate and malitious pleyaris sua that thai will not … pay [debts] … without calling and compulsioun of the law Ib. 448/1.
Pleyeris 1591 Reg. Privy C. IV. 653.
For eschewing of the multitude of pleyis and to refrayne malicious pleyaris [etc.] —1602 Dundonald Par. Rec. 2.
James Mackerrell and George Cummyng thair pleyouris on the S[aboth] day
