Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
DISPERT, adj. and adv. A Sc. form of Eng. desperate, in St.Eng. and colloq. uses (n.Sc. 1808 Jam., 1825 Jam.2; Ags.2 1940). Cf. U.S. despert.
[O.Sc. has disperat, from 1572.]