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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.

Quhay(e, Quhey, n. Also: uhay, whey, why. [ME and e.m.E. hwey (13th c.), qwhey (14th c.), whey (c1400), whay (1530), OE hwæg, hweg.] Whey.For further examples see Curd n., Flot-quhaye n.(a) 1496 Treas. Acc. I 275, etc.
To Goldee, that brocht the quhay to the king … x s. 1549 Compl. 43/1.
Quhaye a1568 Scott v 32. 1602 Dundonald Par. Rec. 3.
Scho gaif to hir ane sowp of quhay(b) 1633 Orkney Bp. Ct. MS 87b.
Quhey 1665 Household Bks. Archb. Sharp in Misc. Maitl. C. II 528.
For aill this day and quhey and sugare, 12s. 6d. 1666 Ib. 536, 537. 1676 Cunningham Diary 76.
Whey(c) 1666-7 Blakhall Narr. 29.
She had been selling why in Mons(d) c1690 Cromartie Corr. I 68.
He drinkes nothing bot uhay