A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Smerit,) Smeirit, ppl. adj. Also: smerde, smard, smear(e)d, smeered. [e.m.E. smered (1550); Smere v.]
1. Anointed, used contemptuously.1548 Balnaves in Knox III 519.
The shaven, oincted, or smeared priests 1616 Crim. Trials III 586.
Now thair is mony smerde Magiens, but thay vaunt thame selffis sa to be
2. Of sheep or wool: Rubbed with a tarry mixture as a protection. Cf. Smere v. 2 b.1596–7 Exch. R. XXIII 141.
Fyve polkis of smeirit and tarit woll 1623 Peebles Gleanings 6.
The steilling … of ane smeirit ȝow 1656 Peebles B. Rec. II 38.
That the whyte and smeered sheepe be kept apart … until they be fullie smeered 1668–9 Aberd. Shore Wk. Acc. 571.
Ane pak of smard wooll 1684 Symson Descr. Galloway 72.
Laid wool called in other parts smeard wool … because about Martimas they melt butter and tar together and therewith they lay … or smear their sheep
