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.
Revers(e, v. Also: -wers, -verce. [ME and e.m.E. reuerse (c1315), F. reverser, -versser, -vercer (1150 in Greimas), L. re- and versāre to turn.] tr.Cf. Ranverse v.
1. To overthrow, overturn or throw down (a person) (to another place).1375 Barb. xv 191.
The Mawndweill … till erd ȝeid hastily. Schyr Eduuard … Reuersyt him and with a knyff … reft him the liff Ib. xvi 421.
The Rychmound borne doun thar was, On him arestyt the Douglas And him reuersyt c1600 Montg. Suppl. xxix 67.
Hes justice wald me sone rewers To the deip pitt of hell
b. To cast down (a structure); to destroy utterly.a1400 Leg. S. xxv 690.
This cite hale I sal revers, & mak it for to bere corne
2. To abrogate or annul (a decision, decree, measure, etc.).c1420 Wynt. viii 936.
All he gert rewersyd be 1490 Acta Conc. I 152/2.
The lordis of consale … can nocht revers the said act nor retrett the sammyn 1515 Douglas Corr. 69.
And ocht hes beyne doyne by hys wrytyngis … [that it] be reversyt agane 1618 Misc. Spald. C. II 161.
New disturbances were cassin in to reuerse all that wes done in the conference 1632 Cullen B. Rec. 6 June.
And reuercit all richt tytle and entres thai or ony of thairis or thair forsaidis has had
3. To turn back or trim (a garment) with some other material.15.. Clar. ii 1898.
Sex fair gounis of velvot cramosie With rich arming reversit 15.. Dunb. App. viii 14.
Thre kingis All drest with dyamantis …, Reverst with gold in every hem
4. To invert (something), turn upside down.1513 Doug. x x 101.
Bot sone Eneas speir was reddy thar Beneth hys schynand scheild reversyt law So that [etc.]
5. To change (something) into its opposite; to transform completely.c1475 Wall. ix 316.
My febill mynd my trublyt spreit rewers
