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.
Vair(e, Wayre, Weir, n. [ME and e.m.E. veir (Cursor M.), veyr (Manning), vaire (c1382), OF vair, veir, L. varium.] a. ‘Fur obtained from a variety of squirrel with a grey back and white belly … used … as a trimming.' (OED). b. In heraldry: One of the heraldic furs consisting of bell- or cup-shaped spaces of azure and argent tinctures placed alternately. c. A weasel or stoat.a. a1400 Leg. S. vii 764.
He wes clede that al dewice, Furryt wele in wayre & grece 1659 Craven Ch. in Orkney II 198.
A littel new bonnet with weirb. 1494 Deidis of Armorie 15, 16.
Will ȝe wit quhat is vaire and nocht vair luk the pals of the armes of Chastellone, for vair is a penne 1494 Deidis of Armorie 58.
Wairee is nocht vair, for variee is maid of mony colouris and vair is nocht maid bot of siluer and aȝur; ande thai entropoint nocht the tane with the tothir in na manerc. 1494 Deidis of Armorie 23.
The vair … signifies loiaute, for it is blew in steid of blak
