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.
(Unsperit,) Unspeirit, -speared, -id, -speered, Onsperd, p.p. [ME vnspurd (14th c.); Sper(e v.] a. Without having to ask. b. Without being asked (at). —a. a1568 Bann. MS 223b/44.
Than suld I … cum to ȝow; I ken the gait onsperd —b. 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 10/4.
Ressaue … this booke … as a faithfull … counsailloure … it uill not cum uncalld nor speake unspearid [1599 vnspeared, 1603 vnspeered] at 1601 Paisley B. Rec. 244.
All sic persouns … that in tyme of voiting speiks unspeirit at, or above thair voce, sall pey aucht pennies 1655 Peebles B. Rec. II 32.
Whosoever shall speak unspeared at, and shall not be attentive to what is or shallbe tabled
