north. dial. Also 7 effeer. [Usual spelling of AFFEIR, AFFERE.]
1. impers. intr. To fall by right, appertain, become, be proper or meet. Obs. exc. in Sc. law phrase ‘as effeirs.’
c. 1375. Barbour, Troy-bk., II. 3020. And þai In Achaia hime erde With kyngis honour, as efferde.
c. 1375. ? Barbour, St. Philippus, 90. & al þe remaynyne to do Þat efferyte þare ordyr to.
c. 1430. Henryson, Mor. Fab., Tale of Dog, 23. The Ravin, as to his office weill effeird, Indorsat hes the write. Ibid. (1832), 25. I drewe a little by, For it effeirs nether to heare nor spye.
1535. Stewart, Cron. Scot., III. 326. Or to his stait efferit for to haif.
1657. Colvil, Whigs Supplic. (1751), 95. It effeers That I be judged by my Peers.
1833. Act 3 & 4 Will. IV., c. 46 § 128. All competent diligence may pass and be directed hereon in form as effeirs.
† 2. As personal vb. To be becoming, pertain properly. Const. to or dat.
a. 1550. Christis Kirke Gr., viii. He cheist a Flane as did affeir him.
a. 1600. Maitland, Poems, 328 (Jam.). Honest weidis, To thair estait doand effeir [= effeirand].
a. 1605. Montgomerie, Flyting, 573. All his fousome forme thereto effeirs.
1820. Scott, Monast., III. 214. Bodin in all that effeirs to war as if they were to do battle for a kingdom.
