a. 1805, Jane Elliot, English Poets of the Eighteenth Century Chapter A Lament for Flodden, The English, for ance, by guile wan the day; The Flowers of the Forest, that fought aye the foremost, The prime of our land, lie cauld in the clay.
1818, Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Mid-Lothian, Volume 2 Chapter , "If I were ance at Lunnon," said Jeanie, in exculpation, "I am amaist sure I could get means to speak to the queen about my sister's life."
1873, Anthony Trollope, The Eustace Diamonds Chapter , Pownies ain't to be had for nowt in Ayrshire, as was ance, my leddie."
