Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
MISCAIRRY, v. Sc. form and usages of Eng. miscarry (Abd. 1884 D. Grant Keckleton 70). [mɪs′kere]
1. tr. To fail to obtain (the object of one's desire), to miss.Sc. c.1700 Bony Lizzie Baillie in Child Ballads No. 227. 11:
O bonny Duncan Grahame, Why should ye me miscarry? For, if you have a love for me, We'll meet at Castle Cary.Abd. 1768 A. Ross Works (S.T.S.) 154:
He'll roose her but sma' that has married her, Now when he's gotten her a', And wish, I fear, he had miscarri'd her, Tocher and ribbons and a'.
2. Of an unmarried woman: to be pregnant (Sh. 1963). Hence miscarriage.Sc. 1733 W. Thomson Orpheus Caledonius II. 83:
Better to marry, than miscarry.Abd. 1853 W. Cadenhead Flights 213:
Speak, speak nae to me o' the blessings o' marriage, . . . Or to screen wi' palaver some haverel's miscarriage.Abd. 1870:
“Was ye ever mairriet, Janet?” “Never, nor yet miscairriet.”
