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.

Upstart, -stert, Wpstart, v. P.t. upstart, -stert, wpstart, -stert. [ME and e.m.E. vpsterte (Manning), vpstarte (a1529), both p.t., vpstart (1573); Start v.] intr. a. Of a person: To rise suddenly, spring to one's feet. = Start v. 2. b. To come into being, or merely a further example, in fig. context, of a. = Start v. 2 b. c. Of a thing: To be propelled suddenly upwards. d. Of the hair: To stand on end. = Start v. 9 b. e. Of birdsong: To begin, to become audible. f. Of a question: To arise.a. pres. 1513 Doug. vii viii 68.
Furth vpstartis [Sm. wpstartis, Ruddim. vpstertis] bath wife, man and page 1596 Dalr. II 123/4.
He prouokes to the singular combat, vpstartis my lord Hammiltoun, and offiris him selfep.t. ?1438 Alex. i 1244.
With that, the duke vpstart belyue … And said [etc.] a1500 K. Hart 153.
Ȝouthheid vpstart and cleikit on his cloik a1500 K. Hart 483.
Vpstart on fute lyflie delyueranceb. a1561 Norvell Meroure 6b.
But when the Law: with might and force began, Then sinne vpstart, and he inuadid manc. a1500 Peblis to Play 159.
The girding [of the stirrups] brak and he flew of And vpstert bayth his heilisd. 1513 Doug. iii i 90.
Vpstart [Sm. wpstart, Ruddim. upstert] my hayr, the word stak in my hals 1513 Doug. iv vi 2 (Sm.).
Wpsterte. 1513 Doug. iii iv 46.
Out of quyet hyrnys the rowt vpstartis [Sm. wpstartis, Ruddim. vpstertis] Of thai birdis with byr and mony a brayf. 1562-3 Winȝet II 74/2.
Gif ony new quæstioun vpstartis, quhare that may nocht be found