A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1597-1650
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Bak-speir, Back-speare, v. [Bak adv.] tr. To question closely, to cross-examine. 1597 Calderwood V. 554.
Lett his Majestie backe-speare us als narrowlie as his Majestie pleaseth 1600-1610 Melvill 315.
Quhilk maid me … to be graitlie suspected be the king and bak-speirit be all meanes 1601 Reg. Privy C. VI. 223.
Everie burges sall … try and bakspeir everie stranger 1650 Strathbogie Presb. 130.
William Adamsone … made ane faschon … of inacting himself caution (in caice of backspearing)
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"Bak-speir v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 12 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/bak_speir>
