spae

American  

[spey] / speɪ /

verb (used with object)

Chiefly Scot.

spaed, spaeing

1. to prophesy; foretell; predict.

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spae British  

/ speɪ /

verb

1. to foretell (the future)

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Other Word Forms

• spaer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of spae

1250–1300; Middle English span < Old Norse spā

Example Sentences

I'm now an auld man, and may be removed before the woes come to pass; but it requires not the e'e of prophecy to spae bloodshed and suffering, and many afflictions in your fortunes.

From Ringan Gilhaize or The Covenanters by Galt, John

Mother! mother! do not spae sorrow to your own child.

From A Reconstructed Marriage by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston

That ye like weel, an wad his fortune learn, I shall employ the farthest o' my skill, To spae it faithfully, be't good or ill.

From The Genius of Scotland or Sketches of Scottish Scenery, Literature and Religion by Turnbull, Robert

I'm a safe carle, and can spae fortunes as well as blaw up thae green bags wi' thriftless wind.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 4 by Various

Thy mother's gone abroad to spae, Her kindly milk thou shalt enjoy When home she comes at close of day.

From Romano Lavo-Lil: word book of the Romany; or, English Gypsy language by Borrow, George Henry