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.
Spyar, Spyour, n. [ME and e.m.E. spiare (Layamon), spyere (Wyclif), OF espieur; Spy v.] A spy. Also transf., const. out, that which discovers (something). —1490 Treas. Acc. I 173.
Johne Hammilton callit Master Spyar, … xxti li. 1496 Treas. Acc. I 305.
Giffin to the maister spyour ix s. —transf. 1456 Hay II 86/2.
The mannis wit and his understanding is the kepare of virtues and the spyare out of vicis
