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.
(Robene redebrest,) Robene reidbreist. Also: robein, -yn and redbrest. [e.m.E. robyn redbrest (1529); Robene n.2, Red(e adj. and Brest(e n.] The robin. —c1450-2 Howlat 647 (A).
Robyn redbrest nocht ran Bot raid as a hensman a1605 Montg. Flyt. 18 (H).
Thou art … Fykand and fidland lyke Robene reid breist 1611 J. Melvill in McCrie Melville 445.
In cums Robein Reidbreist mirrelie
