Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

BEIR, Bier, Beare, n. and v.² Arch.

1. n. A noise, a roar; a complaint.Sc. 1827 G. R. Kinloch Ancient Sc. Ballads 206:
I heard a pretty damsel Making a heavy bier.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry Storm'd 41:
Here sall I say how Crails-men broke Out frae their beds wi' beir.Bwk. 1893 W. S. Crockett (ed.) Minstrelsy of the Merse 45:
The fowls and birds that made the beare, Prepare their pretty nest.

2. v. To roar as a bull.Sc. 1858 W. E. Aytoun Ballads I. 16:
Nine wargangs beiring braid and wide, Seven banners beiring high.