A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
(Weird,) Waird, Wierd, v. [North. ME and 17th c. Eng. we(ir)rd (Cursor M.), weard (1678).] tr.a. Of the Fates: To assign (a person) his destiny. b. passive. To be decreed by fate, to be fated. —a. 15.. Clar. i 1030.
To wairdis then was givin grite credence Thairfor my mother gart with diligence The waird sisteris wait quhen I was borne To heir quhat waird thay sould lay me beforne Agreit thay war and … Thay wairdit me, gif ane knave chyld war I, That efter I was sevin ȝeiris old To be transformit in ane lyoun —b. a1598 Ferg. Prov. (1706) 260.
A man may wooe where he will, but wed where he is wierd
