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 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

(Siker,) Sekyre, Sicker, v. P.p. sekerit, sickered, siccard. [ME siker (Cursor M.), sikeri, -y (1297), sikerd p.t. (Manning), sekerede p.p. (Chaucer), sykerde p.t. (c1400), sekyr (c1450), later only Sc.; Siker adj., but cf. OFris. sikura, sik(e)ria, OSaxon sikorôn (MLG and MDu. sekeren), etc. Cf. also Secur(e v.]

1. tr. To give (another) an assurance or an undertaking (that something will be carried out or will take place). a1400 Leg. S. xxxiii 932.
I sal be before thame bowne In-to this sammyne aray, … I sekyre ȝou

2. To fix or establish; more freq. in non-material senses, to confirm or secure (a person, in faith or the like, in faith to God, or in some such respect); to confirm or secure (an arrangement or the like). 1456 Hay II 105/3.
Stark fortressis and wallit townis and all regne and dominacioun [etc.] … ar sekerit confermyt and undoubtably kepit 1653 Brodie Diary 29.
The Lord lets trials ly on, … because He sees that his people are not so siccard to Him, as they would bide by him if they wanted these trials ?1661-5 M. Bruce Soul-Confirmation 3.
If we could get any of you sickered in the matters of God a1693 M. Bruce Good News (Lectures) (1707) 40.
Sicker what ye will, if the main chance be not sickered, I'll not give a gray groat for you