Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
FAIRCE, adj. Also fers(s), arch. Sc. forms of Eng. fierce. Sometimes used adv. Hence fairceness, n.Sc. 1776 D. Herd Sc. Songs I. 53:
Proud Wallingtoun was wounded sair, Albeit he was a Fennick ferss.Sc. 1826 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) I. 208:
An unaccountable fairceness, — for can a man . . . be fairce on a brither, when handlin his wizen as executioner.Fif. 1827 W. Tennant Papistry 115:
As if frae death to save their lives They swallow'd fast and fers.Dmf. 1874 “R. Wanlock” Moorland Rhymes 21:
Ne'er was a rose withoot a brier — The bonnier floo'r the faircer thorn.
