A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Unsped, Wn-, Onsped, p.p. and ppl. adj. [ME and e.m.E. vn-spedd (Cursor M.), unsped (Gower); Sped(e p.p.] p.p. a. Of an errand, etc.: Not accomplished, discharged or expedited (to a person). b. Of a person: Not having succeeded (in (of) an errand). ppl. adj. That has failed to achieve its purpose; unsuccessful. —p.p. a. 1531 Bell. Boece II 334.
He pretermittit na thing unsped to King Johne, quhare he micht find ony commodite efter following 1535 Stewart 28402.
This messinger … Come hame agane and his erand vnsped —(b) 1583 Perth B. Ct. 14 Aug. (see Unpassit p.p. 2 a).
Onsped —b. 1535 Stewart 52859.
Wnsped also of thair erand war fane Withoutin skaith for to pas hame agane —(b) 1535 Stewart 44769.
Bot leit him pas … Hame to the paip of his erand onsped —ppl. adj. a1568 Bann. MS 217a/8.
Onsped speche [had] bettir vnspokin be
