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.

Unclere, -cleir(e, -clear(e, adj. [ME and e.m.E. vncler (14th c.), vnclere (a1400), vncleare (1535); Cler(e adj.]

1. Not easy to make out or determine; obscure. 1443 Highland P. II 178.
Gif ony of thir partyis hafe ony clause in thair chartar unclere or questionabill the parti plenyheand sal infourme … his party of the defautis a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 693 (Asl.).
Syngis … the quhilkis Sanct Jerome wraite In Jowis bukis … Quhilkis I postpone as dowtous and vnclere 1678 Mackenzie Laws & C. II xxix 2 (1699) 277.
It were very hard upon testimonies that have so unclear a causa scientiæ … to take a way a mans life 1675 Edinb. B. Rec. X 251.
The merches betwixt the lands … wes verrie uncleir

2. Not pure and unsullied, not free of sinfulness or guilt. a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 756 (Asl.).
In to that dome be devyne ordinans All our trespas … planely sall appere … Than sic corrupcioun but clok sall kyth vncleire Till hevin and hell [etc.] a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 1122 (Asl.).
Clenge the corrupcioun of vncleir consciens

3. Not clear or bright; dark, turbid. 1597 Fowler I 7/15.
The raine-bowes now of peace, are cloudes vn-cleare

4. Uncertain, doubtful (also, as to, in or to do something). 1663 Carstairs Lett. 101.
I have grown more and more unclear as to that obligation 1671 McWard True Nonconf. 172.
If you be still unclear, answere this demand with your self in sobriety 1678 Conv. Burghs IV 11.
The convention … wer uncleare in the matter of poll money 1684 Fountainhall Decis. I 268.
The Lords being unclear, they nominated the president … to call both parties before them 1689 Leven & Melv. P. 236.
They are retired out of the way, and has write to me they have done it, being unclear to take oaths 1715 Wodrow Corr. (1843) II 94.
The whole brethren present seemed very unclear as to the abjuration