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.
Wran, n. Also: vran, wren, wra(i)ne. [ME and e.m.E. wrenne, wranne (both a1250), wren (a1529), OE wrenna.] The wren. Also proverb.(a) c1450-2 Howlat 649 (A).
The litill we wran The wretchit dorche was 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 1713.
I saw Raf Coilȝear … and auld Cowkewyis sow And how the wran come out of Ailssay 1549 Compl. 39/18.
Robeen and the litil vran var hamely in vyntir a1568 Bann. MS 156a/37.
I saw ane wran ane watter waid ?1623 Bann. MS 211b/4.
The wran haith wingis with grittar fowlis to flie 1663 Cramond Ch. Alves 44.
He being interrogated what were the words he spake … ansuered that he said cran's flesh or wran's flesh come out thy way(b) c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 144/124.
Wycht fowlis and … wrennis [: crennis] 1639 Baillie I 211.
It would have done yow good to have casten your eyes athort our brave and rich hill, as oft I did, with great contentment and joy, for I (quoth the wren) was there among the rest(c) c1590 Fowler I 340/37.
The robin, wraine [etc.]proverb. a1598 Ferg. Prov. No. 130.
All things helps (quod the wran) when she pished in the sea a1598 Ferg. Prov. No. 77.
As sair fights wranes as cranes
