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.
Wel(l)spring, n. Also: welespring, weal spring, wylsprynge. [ME and e.m.E. wellespring (c1250), wil spring (c1305), welspring (1534), wellspring (1549-62).] A source of water, a spring, fountain. b. fig.A source (of knowledge, etc.).a1400 Leg. S. vi 564.
As is the ensampile of the kynge, & of the towre, & the wylsprynge a1500 Seven S. 2180.
Vnder ȝour bed at sevyn well springis That bulleris & playis nycht & day 14… Reg. Episc. Aberd. I 247.
Fra thine a perty northest to the estmast welespring 1622-6 Bisset II 287/18.
The erth of the graif boyleth up eftir the maner of ane well or welspringb. 1567 Sat. P. vi 124.
Ane cursit byke that cheiflie dois maling, In Abirdene, of sophistis the welspring 1583 Edinb. Test. XIII 32b.
Ane buke of the welspring of science or arthmetik price x s. 1600-1610 Melvill 14.
That root and weal-spring of all his benefites 1638 Cant Serm. (1741) 33.
Lead them to the fountain and cock-eye. Lead them to the well-spring and make meikle of them
