A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1567, 1695
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Wisht, Weist, Whisht, exclam. [ME and e.m.E. whist (Wyclif), whis(c)ht (both 15th c.), wheesht (1684).] Hush! Be quiet! —1567 Criminal Trials I i 494.
Weist, hald ȝour tongue! 1695 Sharpe Witchcraft 241.
At night it [sc. the spirit] cryed wisht, wisht, at every sentence in the close of prayer 1695 Sharpe Witchcraft 247.
In time of prayer it whisled, groaned, and cryed whisht, whisht
