Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

PAIR, v. Also pare (Sc. 1710 T. Ruddiman Gl. to Douglas Aeneis).

1. tr. To diminish, lessen (Ib.), freq. in phr. to eik (add) and (or) pare, to increase and (or) diminish (Sc. 1808 Jam.; Sh. 1965).Sh. 1897 Shetland News (28 Aug.):
Dat can nedder add or pare.

2. intr. To diminish in quality, deteriorate, “fall off”. Also in Eng. dial.Sc. 1870 R. Chambers Pop. Rhymes 364:
Februar, an ye be fair The hoggs'll mend, and naething pair.