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.
Quotation dates: 1460-1609
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Rounar, Roundar, n. Also: rownar, -er, rounder. [ME and late ME rowner, OE rúnere, f. rúnian Roun v.] One who passes on to others tales, gossip, rumours, etc., under the pretence that they are confidential; a whisperer. —c1460 Dietary 28 (Bann.).
Haif fals rownaris at elatioun Suffer in to thy hous no diuisioun c1500-c1512 Dunb. (O.U.P.) 151/52.
Flattereris … And bakbyttaris … And rownaris [M. rowneris] of fals lesingis; Allace that courtis of noble kingis Of thame can nevir be quyte c1500-c1512 Ib. 205/33.
Be thow not ane roundar in the nuke 1551 Hamilton Catechism 111.
Quysperaris, rowkaris and rounaris a1570-86 Maitland Maitland Folio MS 21/10.
Be nocht … ane roundar of inuentit talis 1604-9 Grahame Anat. Hum. 42.
Woe be to seditious tail-tellers, to leying lippes, to harkners and rounders
