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.
Veyra, interj. [? Vyre v. Cf. e.m.E. vera (c1530), ‘? a command to let out more of the sheet’ (OED, s.v. Vera.).] A chant used to keep time, specif. in raising the anchor. —1549 Compl. 40/17.
Than the marynalis began to veynd the cabil, vitht mony loud cry Ande as ane cryit al the laif cryit in that samyn tune … And as it aperit to me, thai cryit thir vordis as eftir follouis. ‘Veyra veyra, veyra veyra. Gentil gallandis, gentil gallandis. Veynde I see hym, veynd I see hym … hail hym vp til vs.' Than quhen the ankyr vas halit vp [etc.]
