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.
(Spire,) Spyre, v.2 [ME and e.m.E. spire (Wyclif), spyre (1526), OF (e)spirer (Godefroy), or perhaps also aphetic f. Inspire, cf. v. 2.] a. tr. To breathe (life). b. intr., fig. To exude, emit or give forth. —a. 1460 Hay Alex. 9721.
The liffe first tharein [sc. the heart] spyrit is Quhilk movis all the body and memberis —b. 1626 Garden Worthies 135.
Who greatter graces hade of graver yeares? Who of his place of greater spreit hes spir'd?
