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.
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. 1852 J. Fraser Poetic Chimes 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'
