Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

Tavering, Tavren, vbl. n. [ME and e.m.E. tave (c1350) to move the limbs ineffectually. Also in the later dial. (see Taiver v.¹ (SND)).] lit. and fig. Wandering or straying; an instance of this. — 1590 Burel Pilgr. i 431.
I wist not quhair to ryn Nor ȝit culd find the gait againe, First quhair I enterd in: Bot tauren and dauren, Like ane daft doitit fule —fig. a1599 Rollock Wks. I 435.
He callis our warkis tavering, going out of the way. Can ane wod man keip the hie gait? Na, bot ay he mon go to ane side or other a1599 Rollock Wks. I 436.
His actiounis ar taverings, all wandring out of the way