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.
Unwaris, -vars, adv. [ME and e.m.E. (in) vnwars (Cursor M.), vnwarys (c1400), vnwaris (14th c.), (at) unwares (a1547), late OE unwæres, unwares.] At unwaris, unexpectedly, without warning. —c1590 Fowler II 25/1.
I … was onbeset & at vnwaris inuadit be him c1590 J. Stewart 234§139.
Fraud … Quho at vnvars ay gawe me dintis snell