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.
†FORSPEAKER, n. Also fore-. One who speaks on behalf of another, one who pleads another's cause, an advocate. Obs. in Eng. since 16th cent.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore 99:
[She] nae forspeakers has her claim to ca'.Sc. 1832 A. Henderson Proverbs 127:
I'll get a better fore-speaker than you for nought.Abd. 1875 W. Alexander My Ain Folk 191:
He mith be a merchan', or onything, gin fowk hed for-speakers to get 'im ta'en in.ne.Sc. 1884 D. Grant Lays 86:
Ye will may be think it queer That a man in my position Comes without forespeakers here!
