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.
(Spere-lenth,) Speir-lenth, n. Also: sper-lynth. [ME and e.m.E. spere lenþe (14th c.), speire lenght (c1400), speare length (1585); Sper(e n.1 and lenth n.] The length of a spear used as a means of estimating distance. —1375 Barb. xvii 572.
Thair fayis com so neir That thai thar visage veill mycht se, Thre sper-lynth, I trow weill mycht be Betuix thame 1605 Crim. Trials II 490.
Williame Maxwell … convict of the beiring, weiring and schuiting of ane hagbut … vpone the grund of the saidis landis … within ane speir-lenth to the hous thairof 1698 Kirkcudbr. Sheriff Ct. Deeds II 690.
[The said march from the place where it ends about three spear lengths beneath the mercat road to the water of Cairn
