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-silver, Speir-silvir, n. [Sper(e n.1 and Silver n. 8.] A tax levied for military purposes. —1496 Treas. Acc. I 324.
Giffin to … messingeris, to gadir in the spere siluer of Perth, Forfare, and Striuelinschire, Linlithquhoschire xviij s. 1553–4 Dundee B. Ct. II fol. 285 (12 Feb.).
Oure souerane ladyes lettres purchest be Andro Lessellis for stenting of thare bootis for payment of speir siluir contenit in the saidis lettres 1554 Dundee B. Ct. II fol. 328 (13 Aug.).
The some of fyve liis aucht s. for spere siluir of the ferry boot
