A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Sobir, v. Also: -er, -yr, sobr-. [ME and e.m.E. sobre (Gower), sobur (Destr. Troy), sober (c1440); Sobir adj.]
1. tr. To bring to a state of quietness or calm; to pacify.a1400 Leg. S. x 443.
[He] sobryt tham, that nere woud wes, Vith softnes 1460 Hay Alex. 7573.
Me think ȝoure harte sould sobrit be Quhan that ȝe watt [etc.] a1500 Henr. Fab. 195.
For quhylis thay leuch and quhylis for ioy thay gret [etc.] … And thus thay fure quhill soberit wes their mude 1490 Irland Mir. I 154/6.
Vthire ladeis be thare farenes and wertu soberis and suagis the crabitnes of men 1535 Stewart 30382.
With Pecht and Saxone first he hes maid peice, All outwart weir to sober and gar ceis 1535 Stewart 5562.
2. To calm, quieten (one's feelings) by exercising self-control. b. reflex. To control oneself.1461 Liber Plusc. I 387.
Sobris your wyt and stabill your entent … For ye wait nocht how son your cas ma cum a1500 Henr. Fab. 1463.
As thow art king of beistis coronate, Sober thy wraith c1475 Wall. v 682.
Agrewit he was … Bot nocht forthi he soberyt his curage c1475 Wall. xi 1033.
Sobyrb. a1568 Bann. MS 212b/58.
Thy langege is to me intollerabill Thairfoir I will thow sobir thé
3. intr. a. Of feelings: To become calm; to be soothed, pacified. b. Of a wound: To become less painful or sensitive.a. c1400 Troy-bk. ii 1601.
Hir feres Sobrand 1490 Irland Mir. III 137/32.
Quhen the ire … of the prince soberis and he cummys to his witb. a1500 Sir Eger 412.
Your wounds … will soft and sober soon
