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 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Povert, Pouert, Powert, n. [ME and e.m.E. pouert, -erd (Cursor M.), also pouerte (Lambeth Hom.), appar. obs. in e.m.E. after 1550, OF poverte (c 1050 in Larousse), L. paupertās nom. (cf. Poverté).] Poverty. = Poverté n. — c1420 Ratis R. 1586.
Kind has lent To sum lynage … To sum vthir powert al-wayis a1500 Colk. Sow II 185.
Presome nevir bot povert may prewaill a1500 Seven S. 1272.
Thus banist was the instewart And all his lyf led in powert c1500 Rowll Cursing 43 (M).
Ane of thir infirmiteis … Powert pestilence or poplisie c1520-c1535 Nisbet Apoc. ii 9.
Pouert