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 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Marmaid, Mairmayde, n. [e.m.E. and ME. mermaid, -mayde (14th c.), also meer- (15th c.), mere- (15th c.), meyre(1533), mare- (1622).] = Marmaidyn. — 15.. Clar. iv. 2461.
The fourte ane marmaide was, with traces bright 1580-92 James VI Lusus Reg. 26.
As marmaides haitis all men by natures uill c1590 Fowler I. 147/12.
Subvert her … That doth a mairmayde and Medusa prove 1595 Duncan App. Etym.
Siren, a marmaid