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.
Quotation dates: 1784-1806, 1923-1944
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EVER, adv. Sc. usages, with intensive force, in phrs.: †(1) ever alack, alas; †(2) ever alas, id.; (3) ever and on, continually (Cai. 1900 E.D.D.; Abd.27, Ags.19, m.Lth.1, Ayr. 1950); (4) ever now, just now (Inv. 1900 E.D.D.); very common in Highlands as a corrupt form of even now (see Evenoo). For Sc. forms see Iver, adv.(1) Sc. 1806 R. Jamieson Pop. Ballads I. 158:
Ever alack! my master dear, For I fear a deadly storm.(2) Sc. 1784 G. Caw Poet. Museum 197:
Now Hobie thought the gates were clear, But ever alas! it was not sae.(4) Sc. 1923 R. Macrailt Hoolachan 28:
Glaur is . . . what's on my buits, ever now!Ork., e.Rs. 1944 (per Ork.1):
The minister was here ever now.
