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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Waspish, Wespish, adj. [e.m.E. waspyshe (1566), waspishe (a1568), waspish (1596).] Like a wasp, having some characteristic of a wasp. —1649 Review Bramble's Faire Warning Preface.
I saw … his pen so wespish and full of gall, that I judged him unworthy of any answer
1681 Colvil Whig's Suppl. (1751) 89.
Thy waspish tongue will never fail To prat, to scold, revile and rail

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