A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1399-1550
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Gem, Gemme, n.1 [ME. gemme (c 1275), OF. gemme, L. gemma.] A gem, jewel. Also fig. a1400 Legends of the Saints v. 157.
Small stauis of the sand He gadderit vpe … And turnyt tham m gemmys schene c1450-2 Howlat 344.
The jaspis joynit in gem, and rubyis inrold c1515 Kennedy Asloan MS I. 274/41.
Ruby of reuth, riche las and hevinnis gem c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 201.
I wend I losit a gem, and I haif geit gottin c1500-c1512 Id. lxxxvi. 3.
O gemme joynit in joy angelicall 1513 Doug. i. Prol. 3.
Gem of engyine and flude of eloquens 1513 Id. x. iii. 35.
Lyke as ane gem … Departis the gold set amydwart the ryng c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 1377.
Thow was gem of gentilnes
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"Gem n.1". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/gem_n_1>
