A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Springing, vbl. n. [ME and e.m.E. springing (Cursor M.); Spring v.] The action of the verb in senses 2, 3 c, 5 and 5 b. a. The dawn. b. The rising of dough. Only in Nisbet after Purvey. c. Moving, rising in flight. d. Dancing. —a. 1533 Boece 583b.
He chargit … the armye … at springing of day to strike the bargan —b. c1520-c1535 Nisbet 1 Cor. v 7.
Clenge ye out the auld sourdauche, that ye be new springing [W. spryngynge, P. sprengyng; Vulg. conspersio] togiddire —c. 1581-1623 James VI Poems II 90/3.
As falcons are by nature faire of flight … As marlions haue in springing greatest might —d. 1590 Burel Pilgr. i 307.
Sick singing and springing Is irksum to the eir
