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 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Unfair(e, -fayre, -fare, Wnfaire, -fayr, adj. (adv.). [ME and e.m.E. vnfair (Cursor M.), vnfayre (14th c.); Fair adj., adv.]

A. adj. 1. Bad, wicked. 1375 Barb. i 123.
For wnfayr thingis may fall, perfay, Als weill to-morn as ȝhisterday 1375 Barb. xv 123 (C).
But I trow falsat euirmar Sall haue vnfair [E. wnfayr] and euill ending

2. Unattractive in appearance, ugly. a1400 Leg. S. xxxiv 103.
We, that suld God plese maste … rekis nocht … Hou foule ore vnfaire we be c1420 Ratis R. 1722.
This eild is wnfaire of fassoun And failȝeis of perfectioun

3. Foul, unclean. a1400 Leg. S. xviii 497.
For of myn syne it is vnfayre Quhene I spek; it fylis the ayre ?1438 Alex. ii 6695.
Reuing and wicked disherising, To be wicked, vnfare speking, Garris the lord hated be

B. adv. 1. Unfairly, without justification or entitlement. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 93.
Me think thow fedis thé vnfair … Suppose thi birny be bright … Yhit ar thi latis vnlufsum and ladlike

2. In an unattractive or ugly manner. a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 163.
Atouir his belt his lyart lokkis lay Felterit vnfair