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.
(Spruse,) Spruice, Sprush, adj. [e.m.E. spruse (1589), spruce (1598), perhaps f. Sprus(e n.] Brisk, smart, trim. —1638 Beautie of the Remarkable Yeare 1638.
Now doth your freiz'ld berukes [= Periwik n.] spruice appear, Nature hath spent her spirit for to trime her self with buskings a1689 Cleland 66.
Some hanging heads down like a bulrush, Some looking briskly that were full sprush
