Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

Wa(y, adv. [ME and e.m.E. wei (Layamon), wai (Cursor M.), way (a1325). Reduced f. Away adv.] a. Do (ga) way, leave off, cease, desist (to do something); go away. b. comb.With Fleing vbl. n.², the action of fleeing away. With Pulling vbl. n., Sendin(g vbl. n., the action of pulling or sending (something or someone) away. See also separate entries.a. a1500 Rauf C. 434.
‘Do way,’ said Schir Rolland, ‘me think thow art not wise’ 1513 Doug. x viii 32.
Do wa thy bost and mannance maid to ws 1513 Doug. xii ii 52.
Persew me not thus with ȝour … teris … Do wa [Ruddim. way] to present me sik takyn of wo 1567 G. Ball. 173.
Sum makis God of Sanctis baine Quhilk war thay leuand heir wald say Idolateris, do way, do way a1570-86 Maitl. F. 194/13.
‘Do way,’ quod scho, ‘Ȝe duell to lang, Adew gude sir' a1568 Balnaves in Bann. MS 138b/31.
Gife thow nocht may, ga way, ga wayb. 1513 Doug. iv vi 93.
Tofor thi wayfleyng [Sm. wayfleing] Had I a child consavyt of thyne ofspryng 1558 Inverness Rec. I 20.
Huchon … confessit … the way pullyng of the tayll of ane ox 1558-66 Knox I 420.
Sche farther willit, to offer the way-sending of the men of weir