† harmeˈsay, harmiˈsay Sc. Obs.
Also 6 harmissa.
[Origin uncertain: it perh. contains the word harm.]
A cry of grief or distress; = ‘alas’.
| a 1487 How Good Wife taught her Dau. 102 Than ‘had I wittyn!’ will thai say, With mony ‘allas’ and harmesay. 1535 Stewart Cron. Scot. II. 84 ‘Bot now’, he said, ‘allace, and harmissa! For all that welth is went full far awa’. 1552 Lyndesay Monarche 5973 Than sall thay say, With mony hydous harmesay, Allace! gude Lorde. 1603 Philotus clv, Allace, and harmisay..quhat sall I say? |