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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1934 (SND Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

ABYE, ABY, v.

(1) arch. (as with Eng. writers). Pay dearly for an offence.Sc. 1898 Ld. E. Hamilton Mawkin o' the Flow 36:
I'm no going to be poisoned this gate but I'll gar some folk aby it.

(2) Endure (obs. in St.Eng.).Sc. 1893 R. L. Stevenson Catriona xi:
I never could abye the reek of them since I could stotter on two feet.

[The word is found in both of the above senses in Older Scots. O.E. ābycgan, buy or requite.]

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