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.
OUTSPEAK, v. As in Eng.: to declare, utter, speak out. Arch. Pa.t. outspak (Ayr. 1786 Burns Jolly Beggars Recit. 4, Hdg. 1896 J. Lumsden Battle Dunbar 3). Ppl.adjs. outspoken, †outspeaking, forward in speech, forthright, blunt, candid, frank; of a remark: freely uttered, spoken without reserve (Sc. 1808 Jam.). Orig. Sc. but adopted by Eng. about the mid-19th c. [ut′spik]Sc. 1820 Smugglers II. iv.:
I've heard she was a wee out-spoken.Ayr. 1823 Galt R. Gilhaize II. xiii.:
William, my third brother, used to say, who was a free out-spoken lad. . . .Sc. 1824 Lockhart Scott lx.:
He is not, you know, very outspoken.Sc. 1837 Carlyle Fr. Rev. II. i. iv.:
Camille is wittier than ever, and more outspoken.Dmb. 1844 W. Cross Disruption xxvi.:
Ye're an ill-bred out-speaking gomeral.Rxb. 1895 J. B. Webber Rambles 175:
And in his auld outspoken way, He said we sma' respeck dae pay Tae God and his most holy laws.
