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.
Wre(t)ch(e, Wrach(e, v. [e.m.E. wretch (a1513), to render miserable; Wre(t)ch(e n. 4.] intr. To be(come) miserly. —a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS No. 76.
As the cairle riches he wrecheis [1641 wretches] a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 202.
Wraches a1633 W. Struther True Happiness 139.
As the wretch wretcheth the more he is enriched
