A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Chiffer, Chiffre, n. [F. chiffre. Cf. Ciphre.]
1. An ornamental letter or device.1561 Inv. Q. Mary 30.
Ane bed diuidit equalie in claith of gold and siluir with drauchtes of violet and gray silk maid in chiffers of .A. and enrichit with leiffis
2. A secret manner of writing. Also attrib.1570 Lennox Mun. 448.
Two lettres, written in chiffre 1601 Denmylne MSS. 39.
Ȝe sall resaiff ane lettre from His Majestie … , ane chiffre as ȝe crave Ib. 43.
Gif ȝour chiffre letter be directed to the King, clois it
