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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

WEER-, WEIR-, in combs. weirscales, weerstanes. Phrs. in (a) weirscales, -stanes, in a state of doubt, hesitation, perplexity (Dmf. 1894 Trans. Dmf. & Gall. Antiq. Soc. 158).Dmf. 1836 A. Cunningham Lord Roldan I. ii., iv.:
Ye hae helped me and relieved me in my hard mister and weirscales. . . . He sends red gold to Mary Morison when she is in a weir-scales about the education of her dear.

[The first element is uncertain, poss. Weer, n., but the combs. suggest a metaphor from weighing with scales or stones, and the word may be an altered form of Wey, v.]

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