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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Schawar(e, Scheware, Shower, n. [ME and e.m.E. scawere (c1175), sheawere (c1200), scheauware (Ancr. R.), shewer, schewere (both 14th c.), schewar (c1400), shower (1680), OE scéawere; S(c)haw v.]

1. ? One who displays things for sale. Cf. S(c)haw v. 3 b. c1460 Wisd. Sol. (STS) 499.
And thane sal the starkest that was before schawaris sall be gryndaris of grauell, thate wont wes to schaw gud metis sal be in cauernys and mernes

2. One who gives a good example; an exemplary model. Cf. S(c)haw v. 16 c. 1490 Irland Mir. I 116/5.
Thou has me maid the forme, the floure, the schaware of all wertu

3. One who points out, or alleges, a misdemeanour. Cf. S(c)haw v. 18 and 23. c1500 Ecclesia Antiqua 28.
[The penalty to be] escheting of the said chymnay the ane half thairof to the apprehender and schawar thairof 1586 Melvill in Calderwood IV 522.
The rebooker and shower thee of thy vice

4. One who narrates or recounts; an informer, narrator. 1491 Acts II 230/2.
That quhat persone … will cum and schew to the king … quhat … personis wer the slaaris of his faider … the scheware and reuelare tharof sall haf to his reward j^c markis worth of land [etc.] 1533 Bell. Livy I 31/14.
Romulus … returnit to Rome, na les vailȝeant and magnificent prince than glorius scheware [v.r. schawar] of his dedis