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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†RAY, v., n.1

I. v. To prepare, make ready, rig out. Also in Eng. dial.Sc. 1795 Outlaw Murray in Child Ballads No. 305 A. xxxiv.:
“Gar ray my horse”, said the nobil King.

II. n. Order, arrangement, array, formation. Obs. in Eng.Sc. 1802 Scott Minstrelsy I. 164:
Yet follow me, my feiries five, And see of me ye keep good ray.

[O.Sc. ray, to put in order, order, arrangement, c.1470, Mid.Eng. ray, to dress, equip. Aphetic form of array.]

22015

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