A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Ray, n.3 [e.m.E. and rare ME ray (14th c.), raye, OF acc. rai, ray (nom. rais, raiz; mod. F. rais a beam of light, etc., L. radi-, stem of radius.] a. In heraldry, a representation of a beam of light (as in the conventional representation of a star). b. fig. A glance of the eyes. —a. 1494 Loutfut MS 13a.
And gif ȝhe will wit quhat is rayes it is siclik thing bot betwen twa pompes thair is litil rayes and sum callis thaim sternes —b. c1590 Fowler I 154/3.
These bright rayes Which … maks me whote and cold
