Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Jar, Jarr(e, n. [e.m.E. (1546), perh. of onomatopoeic origin.]

Disharmony, disagreement; a dissension, dispute, quarrel. Chiefly in plur. Also in the phrase at (great) jarrs.Appar. the only Sc. sense of this word.(1) plur. c1590 Fowler I. 116/115.
For to accorde these contrare sects, that then war at great jarrs 1600-1610 Melvill 684.
Quhat wes the caus of the jarris of the Kirk? 1611 Dioc. Synod Lothian 109.
The … jaris newlie arrysin betwix the … indwellaris 1677 Edinb. B. Rec. X. 303.
To eschew any anymosities or jarrs that may happen betwixt these companies 1690 Auldhamstocks Serm. 11.
Let us fear the errors of others who have marred their work with their jarrs and janglings(2) sing. 1633 Aberd. Council Lett. I. 378.
Upon the occasion of the least jar betwixt the towne and him 1681 Brodie Diary 451.
At Dyk found a woeful jarr and shamfull outcast betwixt M^r. Geo. and his wiffe