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.
Ȝam(m)er, v. Also: ȝhamer, y(h)amer, ȝalmer, yalmer, -ur, ȝeammer. [Late ME and e.m.E. ȝamur (c1400), yamer (Caxton); Ȝammer n. Also in the later dial.] intr. To cry in a forlorn manner; to howl, wail. Also transf.1460 Hay Alex. 9624.
Than cryis thare angill with ane hie clamoure … ȝammerand with hie voce and reuthfull stevin Askand vengance c1460 Regim. Princ. 193 (Fairf.).
To smale men commyt all causis smale Of pure plantis that ȝhameris [Maitl. ȝameris, Marchm. yameris, D. yhameris] at thi ȝet 1513 Doug. vii i 38 (Sm.) (see Ȝam(m)ering vbl. n.).
Ȝammerand a1605 Montg. Flyt. 117 (T).
Hy … huirsone, to hel … Quhair devillis … dois ȝammer [H. ȝeammer] & ȝell a1603 Anc. Prophecies 27.
He yelped, he yalmered, and youled loude a1603 Anc. Prophecies 29.
Thou shalt yalmur and yell that al York shal it hearetransf. 15.. Clar. i 738.
The cairfull echo ȝalmering to the sky
