A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Schever,) Shever, S(c)hiver, n. [ME and e.m.E. scivre, scifre (both Layamon), schiuer (14th c.), shever (c1400). Cf. OHG scivero.] A splinter, a (small) fragment.In shevers, (all) to shivers, into small pieces, into splinters.?1438 Alex. i 3206.
Emynedus in the sheild him straik Quhill he in sheuers can it shaik Ib. ii 6098.
Ane knaif … In tunicall of ane camell rede All shorne in sheuers fra stede to stede Ib. 10510.
Thay na sheildis had na thay war In sheuers hurlit heir and thair 1639 Fugitive Poetry II xv 2 4.
He sall with scepter hard You smyt, and schaik to schivers, like a schard 1654 Dumfries Kirk S. 16 March.
The poore woman her legg being brokin this weeke all to shivers
