Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1971 (SND Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†SPERTHE, n. A battle-axe. Arch.Sc. 1803 Scott Minstrelsy II. 337:
At his saddle-gerthe was a good steel sperthe.Ayr. 1887 J. Service Dr Duguid 254:
Misk cruntit his croon wi' a sperthe.Sc. 1896 A. Lang Monk of Fife 120:
She fights but on horseback, with lance and sperthe.
