Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1815-1902
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VEX, v., n.
I. v. Pa.p. vext (Abd. 1768 A. Ross Helenore (S.T.S.) 98), compar. vexter; ppl.adj. vexin, superl. vexinest (Edb. 1895 J. Tweeddale Moff 24). 1. As in Eng. Phr. to be vext for, to be sorry for (a person) (Gsw. 1902 J. J. Bell Wee Macgreegor 121; I.Sc., Cai., Ags., Per., wm.Sc. 1973).Lnk. 1895 W. C. Fraser Whaups xiii.:
Folk were vext for him.Lnk. 1902 A. Wardrop Hamely Sk. 110:
Puir wee soul, I'm vexed for'm, an' vexter for mysel.
2. intr. To feel sorry, be distressed, grieve. Rare or obs. in Eng.Ags. 1825 Jam.:
I was like to vex — I was disposed to be sorry.
II. n. A source of regret, sorrow or annoyance (s.Sc. 1825 Jam.; Sh., n.Sc., Ags., Fif., Lth., Ayr., Rxb. 1973); a state of vexation or annoyance. Hence vexsome, sorrowful, full of vexation (Lnk. 1973).Sc. 1815 Scott Guy M. xxxvi.:
It was a sair vex and grief to a' her kith and kin.Dmf. 1824 W. McVitie Tales for the Ingle-cheek II. 107:
"It will be a sair vex," said Rab. "Vex!" said Nannie, "O man, I will die wi' perfect grief."Rnf. 1853 J. Fraser Poetic Chimes or Leisure Lays 136:
The poor wee lambs, wi' vexsome lays.Abd. 1877 G. MacDonald M. of Lossie iii.:
Her man's in a sair vex 'at ye winna tell a wordless lee aboot the black mare.Lnk. 1890 J. Coghill Poems 108:
Ay, there's the sairest vex o' a'Per. 1895 R. Ford Tayside Songs 242:
The cauld was vexsome o' itsel'
