Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

ENDAIVOUR, n., v. Also †endeavor(e); ende(e)vour (Uls. 1897 A. M'Ilroy When Lint was in the Bell v.). Sc. forms of Eng. endeavour. Also in phr. to do one's endeavour(s), to do one's utmost (Bnff., Abd. (endeevour), Ags., Fif., Slg., Edb., Arg., Uls. (endaivour) 1950); now arch. in Eng.Sc. 1700 Seafield Corresp. (S.H.S.) 315:
We beggs yor Lordship will doe yor endeavor to procur the order to the collector.Abd. 1865 G. Macdonald Alec Forbes II. xviii.:
An' dooin' their verra endeevour to destroy the image o' the Almichty.Uls. 1880 Patterson Gl. Ant. and Dwn.:
He come in, an' they done their whole endeavour to get him out.Arg. 1936 L. McInnes Dial. S. Kintyre 19:
I'm no a great haan at wark o' that kin', but I'll do my endaivour.