A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
Hide Quotations Hide Etymology
About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Wi(t)ch(e)rie, Wichery, n. [e.m.E. witcherye (1546), witcherie (1582).] a. The practice of witchcraft. b. A spell or charm used in the practice of witchcraft.a. 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 146.
Williame Stewart being convictit for witcherie wes brunt 1656 Lesmahagow Ann. 128.
To cite Andro Showe, suspect of witchrie and charming 1666 Lanark Presb. 106.
Shoe by witcherie was the death of twa meires(b) 1602 Dundonald Par. Rec. 3.
The sessioun accusing hir quhy scho sould haif sufferit sik petitioun in sik maner to haif being maid to hir, and that it wes the taking of wichrie vpoun hir self 1685 Sinclair Satan's Inv. World 170.
Fifteen children which likewise confessed that they were engaged in this wichery [pr. withery] died as the restb. 1662 Highland P. III 24.
They laid the cantrapes or witchrie in the burne quhilk the milstane was to come throw
