A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Flyr(e, Flire, v. [ME. flyre, flire, var. of flere, flerye, (mod. E. fleer), Da. flire, Norw. and Sw. flira.] a. intr. To grimace; to look mockingly, to sneer. b. tr. To mock, jest at. Also flyrand, flyring, ppl. a.a. c1450-2 Howlat 820.
In come twa flyrand fulis with a fonde faire c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 114.
He feppillis like a farcy aver, that flyrit on a gillot 1558-66 Knox II. 421.
Whairat, albeit ye now flyrt and ye flyre, … yit am I assurit [etc.] a1585 Polwart Flyt. 182 (T).
My flyting forcit thé so to flyre a1605 Montg. Ib. 510.
Sum fartand, sum flyrand c1590 J. Stewart 94/537.
Vith flyring face his mouth did morgeonb. a1568 Bann. MS. 146 b.
Than all the laddis tryd … To flud him & to flyr him
