A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Swisser, Suitzer, n. Also: Suissar, -er, Suyzer, Zuitzer. [e.m.E. Swycer (1530), Suizzer (1549), Switzer (1577), Swisser (1596), MHG Swycer, Switzer, MDu. Switser, Swytzer.] Chiefly pl. a. An inhabitant of Switzerland. Only pl. b. specif. A Swiss mercenary.a. 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Menetvm.
I haue seene the like in the cuntrie of Helvetia, … amangst the Zuitzers 1627 Kellie Pallas Armata 2.
The Suyzers, a basse mechanicke nation, of little accountb. pl. c1590 Fowler II 100/25.
Italye lay … diffamed and disgraced by the Suissers c1590 Fowler II 105/17.
King Loyes, abolishing the bands off fut men, began to wage and hire the Suissars ? 1605 Pitsc. Add. (1728) 236.
[In Copenhagen] An guard of Swissers suited in red and yellow silk 1657 Balfour Ann. II 121.
100 Suitzers of the Kinges gaurd [sc. of France]sing. a1689 Cleland 80.
Like to a Suitzer wanting wages
