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.
Sparse, Sperse, v. Also: sparce. [e.m.E. sparse (1535), sperse (1580), sparce (1585), L. spars- ppl. stem of spargere to scatter, sprinkle, strew, or perhaps aphetic f. Dispers v. Cf. OF esparser, -cer (Godefroy), MDu. sparsen, spaersen and It. sperso p.p. of spergere to scatter.] tr.
1. To spread (a rumour, slander, etc.) (contrar, against (persons), also abroad).(a) 1570-3 Bann. Trans. 18.
The secretare … sparced [Memor. 41, sparged] a brute, that [etc.] 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 260.
Mr. Robert Hammiltoun, wha had sparced abroad and tauld to sundrie, that [etc.] 1558-66 Knox II 96. Conf. Faith in
The diversiteis of rumouris quhilk Sathan sparsis contrar us [a1651 Calderwood II 16, sparseth against us] 1558-66 Knox II 351.
The fearfull bruytes that thei sparsed abroad 1558-66 Knox I 119. 1584 Calderwood IV 126.
Nothing lesse meant to be sent to them; but … in forme of a calumnie or contradictioun, to be sparsed abroad(b) c1590 Fowler I 136/7.
I think dispared saules there plaints sal sperse [: verse, perse, reherse], And mak the haggard rocks resound sad sounds
b. To make (one's fame, reputation) widely known.1619 Garden Elphinstoun 64.
To have his name immortaliz'd, And all whair spars'd and spred
2. To scatter, sprinkle.c1590 Fowler I 53/153.
The scrollis which I haif sperst [It. sparge] … With thoughts, with teares, with ink to … paint hir praise
