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spae

American  
[spey] / speɪ /

verb (used with object)

Chiefly Scot.
spaed, spaeing
  1. to prophesy; foretell; predict.


spae British  
/ speɪ /

verb

  1. to foretell (the future)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • spaer noun

Etymology

Origin of spae

1250–1300; Middle English span < Old Norse spā

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

She continued to twirl her distaff, seemingly unconscious of his presence, and also, after her own fashion, to "spae" the fortune of young Harry Bertram, just as Mannering had so lately been doing himself.

From Red Cap Tales Stolen from the Treasure Chest of the Wizard of the North by Scott, Walter, Sir

I daur you try sic sportin, As seek the foul thief ony place, For him to spae your fortune: Nae doubt but ye may get a sight!

From Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Burns, Robert

I daur you try sic sportin’, As seek the foul Thief onie place, For him to spae your fortune: Nae doubt but ye may get a sight!

From The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham by Burns, Robert

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