A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1498-1563
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Persand, a. Also: peirce-. [ME. persand (c 1400): cf. ME. and e.m.E. persant (Piers Plowman), -aunt, F. perçant pres. p. of perçer Pers v., and Persing.] Penetrative, keen, sharp, piercing, fig., of emotions, weather, words, etc. — a1499 Contemplacioun of Synnaris 1049 (Harl.).
Compacience persand in to my spreit remanis 1513 Doug. vii. Prol. 96.
The peralus persand cald 1531 Bell. Boece I. lvi.
In winter quhen … persand stormes apperit 1533 Id. Livy I. 225/12.
Movit to hie displeseris be thir persand wourdis 1562-3 Winȝet I. 37/19.
God quhais worde is mair peirceand than ony … sworde, etc.
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"Persand adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/persand>
