Glossary of Obsolete and Scots Words and Phrases
Affray, terror; fright: (v.) to frighten.
Aggravate, to emphasise an enormity.
Aggreage, to aggravate.
Appointment, terms; agreement; truce or treaty.
Arguesyn, lieutenant (naut.).
Assedations, leases.
Assurance, truce; agreement for truce.
Bauk, beam.
Bear, barley.
Bide, to abide; biaden, abode.
Bill, letter; petition.
Birse, bristle; beard.
Block-house, tower; fort.
Boss, a worthless character.
Bourding, jesting.
Brook, to soil.
Bruik, to enjoy; to possess.
Bruit, common talk; rumours; repute.
Buds, gifts; bribes.
Buist (for browst), brewing.
Buist, box; chest.
Burgess, inhabitant of a burgh who has full municipal rights.
Burn, brook.
Burn his bill, make recantation.
Camp-volant, expeditionary force.
Cass, to annul.
Censement, judgment.
Chalder, a grain measure of about 90 bushels.
Chamber-child, valet-de-chambre.
Chanters, laics endowed with ecclesiastical benefices.
Chap, to strike; to knock.
Cheek-mate, familiar.
Chimley, chimney; fire-basket.
Clawback, sycophant.
Clerk-play, a dramatic entertainment founded on a passage of Scripture; a “mystery.”
Cognition, evidence.
Comfort, strength; godly confidence.
Commend, an ecclesiastical benefice committed to a temporary holder.
Commendator, the holder of a commend.
Commodity, advantage.
Compear, to present oneself in response to a summons.
Compone, to agree.
Consequently, in sequence.
Consistory, Church Court.
Cordelier friar, Franciscan.
Cowp, to tilt.
Craig, neck.
Credit, mandate; written instructions.
Crown of the sun, a French crown having as mint mark an emblem of the sun: gold coin worth 18s.
Cuid, chrisom.
Culverin, the largest cannon used in the 16th century.
Cummer, entanglement; broil; brawl.
Cunyie, mint, coinage; to mint, to coin.
Dad, to knock; to thump.
Dag, to shoot.
Deambulator, promenade.
Delate, to accuse.
Delation, accusation.
Delatour, procrastination.
Dictament, phraseology.
Ding, to knock violently; to dash (p. dang, p.p. dung).
Ditement, what is written.
Divagation, wandering from the straight course.
Divers, sundry.
Doctrine, act of teaching.
Document, warning; evidence.
Dolour, grief; distress.
Dontibour, courtesan.
Dortour, hangings; decorative draperies.
Dot, dowry.
Doted, endowed.
Down-thring, overthrow.
Dule-weed, apparel of mourning.
Dyke, wall.
Dyttament, dictation; guidance.
Effray, to frighten.
Eke, to increase.
Eke, eik, an addition.
Eme, uncle; kinsman.
Ensenyes, companies (milit.).
Exercition, bodily exercise; military exercise.—Jamieson.
Factors, stewards.
Factory, Scots equivalent of a power of attorney.
Fard, ardour; violence.
Fash, to trouble.
Fashery, trouble.
Fashious, troublesome.
Fertour, coffer.
File, thread; sequence.
Fillocks, giddy young women.
Fley, to scare; to frighten.
Flyrt and flyre, to mock and deride.
Forethink, to repent.
Fornent, over against.
Frack, active; ready; make frack, make bustling preparation.
Fray, fright.
Fremmed, strange; unfriendly.
Gaird, guard; civil establishment.
Gait, way; route; upon the gait, on the move.
Gar, to cause; gart, caused.
Gear, goods; stuff.
Girn, to grind or gnash the teeth.
Girnell, granary.
Glaise, a scorching.
Glister, lustre.
Glondours, a state of ill-humour.
Good-daughter, daughter-in-law.
Goodsire, maternal grandfather.
Greet, to weep; grat, wept.
Griping, extortionate.
Gukstoun Glaikstour, apparently a nickname. “A contemptuous designation, expressive of the combination of folly and vainglory.”—Jamieson.
Hackbut, harquebus: species of hand firearm used in 15th and 16th centuries.
Hamesucken, the crime of beating or assaulting a person within his own house.
Harberous, hospitable.
Hardess, harshness.
Herschip, plundering.
Horn, public intimation of outlawry.
Horning, outlawry; process of outlawry.
How, hollow; underground.
Hurl, to wheel.
Improve, to disprove.
Inable, to disqualify.
Incontinently, forthwith.
Indifference, impartiality.
Indifferent, impartial.
Induration, hardening of heart.
Indure, to remain of firm purpose.
Ingyne, ingenuity; genius.
Institute, to place in authority.
Irons, coining dies.
Ish, to come out; to sally forth.
Jack, a coat of mail.
Jackman, armed follower.
Jefwellis, jailbirds.
Jow, to toll.
Kep, to intercept; to catch.
Kindness, fealty of retainers.
Knap, to strike.
Knapscall, head-piece.
Kythe, to show; to practise.
Lair, to stick in the mire.
Lavachre, washing.
Lesing, lying.
Let, hindrance.
Letters, writs under the royal signet; summonses.
Lippen, to trust.
Manrent, vassalage.
Mansworn, perjured.
Marrow, match; equal.
Mell, to meddle.
Menyie, crowd of followers.
Mint, threat.
Modify, adjust.
Mows, jest.
Myster, skill; mastery.
Napkin, pocket-handkerchief.
Navy, fleet.
Neifeling, fisticuffs.
Neifs, fists.
Noisome, annoying; troublesome.
Pare, to diminish.
Partaker, ally.
Patron, skipper.
Penult, second last (day).
Peregrine, foreign; irrelevant.
Placebo, the opening antiphon of vespers for the dead, in the Romish service; from opening words of Psalm xvi.
Placeboes, parasites; flatterers.
Plack, a small copper coin.
Platt, to place close.
Platt on his knees, threw himself on his knees.
Pock, bag; case.
Poise, secret hoard of money.
Pottinger, apothecary.
Power, forces.
Practise, to intrigue.
Prevent, anticipate.
Propine, to present gifts.
Purchase, to sue out; to procure.
Purpose, conversation.
Rays, yards (naut.).
Reduce, to bring back.
Reek, smoke.
Regiment, rule; control.
Reif, robbery.
Retreat, to repudiate; to withdraw.
Rowping, crying hoarsely.
Ruse, boast.
Sark, shirt.
Scaill, scaling-ladder.
Schybald, mean fellow.
Scrimple, to shrivel.
Scrip, to mock.
Seinyiè, synod; consistory.
Skaill, to disperse; to spill.
Slanting, range of fire.
Slogan, battle-cry.
Sloken, to quench.
Snappers, stumbles.
Sned, to clip, as with shears.
Sparse, to spread abroad.
Speir, to inquire.
Splent, armour for the legs.
Spunk, spark.
Spurtle, porridge stick.
Stammer, to stagger.
Stark, strong.
Stay, impediment.
Stock, crop from which teind was drawn.
Stog, to stab.
Stog-sword, long small-sword.
Stool, pulpit.
Stoop, support.
Stout, staunch.
Stowth, theft.
Sturr, to make disturbance or trouble.
Suppostis, supporters.
Sweir, unwilling.
Tabernacle, a shrine for host consecrated at mass.
Targetting of tails, bordering of gowns with tassels.
Teind, tenth-part; tithe.
Tine, to lose; tint, lost.
Tinsel, loss.
To-look, prospect.
Tor, arm (of a chair).
Umquhile, late; deceased.
Upaland, at a distance from the sea; in the country.
Upfall, matter cast up; incident.
Vassalage, feats of valour.
Vilipended, slighted; undervalued.
Warsel, wrestle.
Whinger, hanger (kind of sword).
Wiss, to imagine.
Wodness, fury; madness.
Wolter, overturn.
Wyte, blame.
Yett, gate.
Footnotes
1 “The First Book of the History of the Reformation of Religion within the Realm of Scotland. Containing the Manner and by what Persons the Light of Christ’s Evangel hath been manifested unto this Realm, after that horrible and universal Defection from the Truth, which has come by the means of that Roman Antichrist.”
2 Phraseology.
3 Familiar.
4 The form of burning one’s bill, on recanting, was this,—the person accused was to bring a faggot of dry sticks, and burn it publicly, by which ceremony he signified that he destroyed that which should have been the instrument of his death.—Keith.
5 Rule; control.
6 Valet-de-chambre.
7 Scorched.
8 Shrivelled.
9 Parasites; flatterers.
10 Armed followers.
11 Slighted; undervalued.
12 Porridge-stick.
13 Brook.
14 A small copper coin.
15 Wall.
16 Shirt.
17 Showed; practised.
18 Underground.
19 Smoke.
20 Toll.
21 Accusation.
22 Presenting themselves.
23 Macalpine.
24 The crop from which the teind was drawn.
25 Accused.
26 Threw.
27 Ingenuity; genius.
28 Frightened; afraid.
29 Warnings.
30 Talk (common).
31 Over against.
32 Stumbles.
33 Disperse.
34 Threat.
35 Intrigues.
36 Hangers (small swords).
37 Plundering.
38 Quenched.
39 Forthwith.
40 Stuck in the mire.
41 Battle-cry.
42 Shot.
43 Carrier.
44 Lost.
45 Spark.
46 Match.
47 Secret hoard of money.
48 Repute.
49 David Rizzio.
50 Worthless characters.
51 Unwilling.
52 Made bustling preparation.
53 Yards.
54 Procured.
55 Anticipate.
56 Abode.
57 Vassalage.
58 Spreading abroad.
59 Neck.
60 Mocked.
61 Wheeled.
62 Bag; case.
63 Feats of valour.
64 Henry, Lord Darnley.
65 Late; deceased.
66 Kinsman’s.
67 Outlawry.
68 Increase nor diminish.
69 Coats of mail.
70 Conversation.
71 Dramatic entertainment founded on a passage of Scripture: a “mystery.”
72 A state of ill humour.
73 Promise made at the arrest of Wishart, that he should not be delivered to the Governor or the Cardinal.
74 Second last day.
75 He had been tutor to James V.
76 See Glossary.
77 Fists and fisticuffs.
78 Struck; “cracked.”
79 Bristle, i.e. beard.
80 Jesting.
81 Knox acknowledges that he has here incorporated John Foxe’s account of the trial of Wishart.
82 Head-piece.
83 Armour for the legs.
84 Hospitable.
85 Repent.
86 Lying.
87 Gnashed.
88 Fury.
89 Synod; consistory.
90 Caused.
91 Staunch.
92 Strong.
93 Fire-basket.
94 Long small sword.
95 Enjoy; possess.
96 Clip.
97 Harshness.
98 Jest.
99 Chrisom.
100 Skill.
101 Afterwards Official of Lothian: “the most corrupt man of his age.”—Robertson.
102 Mary of Lorraine, Queen of James V.
103 Knocked.
104 Sallied forth.
105 Struck.
106 Scared.
107 Troublesome.
108 Gifts; bribes.
109 Skipper and the lieutenant.
110 Expeditionary force.
111 Inquired.
112 Boast.
113 Evidence.
114 Annulled.
115 James, nephew of the Cardinal.
116 Terror; fright.
117 Crying hoarsely.
118 Jail-birds.
119 Anticipated.
120 Coffer.
121 Knocking.
122 Priests jostled with friars.
123 Overthrow.
124 Lustre.
125 An ecclesiastical benefice committed to a temporary holder.
126 The Second Book of the History of Things done in Scotland, in the Reformation of Religion, beginning in the Year of God 1558.
127 The “History” originally commenced at this point. The Second Book was begun in 1560: the scope of the work was enlarged about 1566, when the First and Fourth Books were added. The reader will note that, in point of date, the narrative at the opening of the Second Book overlaps that at the close of Book First.—Ed.
128 Loss.
129 Washing.
130 Brought back.
131 Impartiality.
132 Formal process of outlawry.
133 Aggravate.
134 Companies.
135 Cause.
136 Truce.
137 Hangings.
138 Granary.
139 Sued out; procured.
140 Coining dies.
141 Promenade.
142 Entanglement.
143 In framing a historical record of the important events in Scotland in which he took a part, Knox seems to have considered it incumbent upon him to preserve in his chronicle complete copies of the numerous documents and missives concerning the relations of the Reformers among themselves, or embodying the communings of the Reformers with the Queen Regent and with the Sovereign of England. In the present edition, these are omitted, or only quoted in abbreviated form, so far as may be necessary to keep the reader in close touch with the thread of the narrative, and the attitude of the different parties.—Ed.
144 Soiled.
145 That is, men-at-arms.
146 Scaling-ladder.
147 Mint.
148 Intercepting.
149 Come forth; issue.
150 District.
151 The Third Book of the Progress of True Religion within the Realm of Scotland.
152 Mean fellows.
153 Staggered.
154 There is neither male nor female; for, as saith Paul, they are all one in Christ Jesus. Blessed is the man who trusteth in the Lord; and the Lord will be his confidence.—Laing.
155 Agree.
156 That is, to make arrangements there.
157 Trust to.
158 Trouble.
159 Troublesome route.
160 Forces.
161 Remain of firm purpose.
162 Allies.
163 Fleet.
164 That is, to Edinburgh.
165 Blame.
166 Disqualify.
167 Judgment.
168 Knox embodies the full text of the Confession at this point in his History. In the present edition it will be found, in full, in the Appendix, infra.
169 See Appendix.
170 Imagined.
171 “Holy Trinity, accept this oblation, which I, an unworthy sinner, present to Thee, the living and true God, for my own sins, and for the sins of the whole Church of the quick and the dead, etc.”—Laing.
172 Endowed.
173 Made no appearance in public.
174 Much procrastination.
175 Prospect.
176 At the close of his Third Book, Knox inserts the Book of Discipline. This will be found, in full, in the Appendix, infra.
177 The Fourth Book of the Progress and Continuance of True Religion within Scotland.
178 Theft.
179 Courtezans.
180 Crowd of followers.
181 Supporters.
182 Too deep.
183 Presented gifts.
184 Brewing.
185 Robbery.
186 Fright.
187 Apparel of mourning.
188 Giddy young women.
189 Make disturbance.
190 That is, the Papists in possession of benefices.
191 Knox here quotes, in full, the Acts passed by the Council.
192 Pulpit.
193 Adjust.
194 Stewards.
195 “Soon after, the Earldom of Moray was bestowed upon him, instead of the Earldom of Mar. Lord Erskine had an old right to the Earldom of Mar.”—MS. variant.
196 Daughter-in-law.
197 On the move.
198 Range.
199 Formerly Lord James Stewart: cf. page 247, n.
200 Inhabitant with full municipal right.
201 Maternal grandfather.
202 Fealty of retainers.
203 Impediment.
204 Dictation; guidance.
205 That is, his clansmen were being mobilised.
206 Overturn.
207 Sir John Gordon, of Findlater, second son of the Earl of Huntly. Confined in the Tolbooth of Edinburgh, for a murderous attack upon Lord Ogilvy of Airly in a quarrel concerning property, he had broken ward.—Ed.
208 He was denounced as a traitor. With a following of eight hundred men, he encountered the Earl of Moray and the Queen’s forces outside Aberdeen, and was defeated and slain at the battle of Corrichie.—Ed.
209 Made scruple.
210 Bordering of gowns with tassels.
211 Meddled.
212 Letter.
213 Pocket-handkerchiefs.
214 Ardour; violence.
215 The crime of beating or assaulting a person within his own house.
216 The papistical ceremony, down to its minutest details (?).
217 That is, as she should dictate.
218 Duplicate.
219 Arm.
220 Weep.
221 What is written.
222 Incident; matter cast up.
223 Evangel.
224 Supports.
225 Guard; civil establishment.
226 Modified; dissembled.
227 Sycophants.
228 Birds.
229 Shrove Tuesday; the day before Lent.
230 Extortionate.
231 Satisfaction.
232 Share (?).
233 Mock and deride.
234 Anticipate.
235 Hardening.
236 Perjured.
237 Repudiated; withdrawn.
238 “Men of no note.”
239 “Servants of God, however.”
240 Placed in authority.
241 Strange; unfriendly.
242 The Confession of Faith professed and believed by the Protestants within the Realm of Scotland, published by them in Parliament, and by the Estates thereof ratified and approved, as wholesome and sound Doctrine, grounded upon the infallible Truth of God’s Word. (Original Title.)
243 Words in square brackets are not in MSS. but are found in old printed copies of the Confession.—Ed.
244 Chests.
245 In a Preface, the compilers addressed themselves to the Great Council of Scotland, “now admitted to the Regiment, by the Providence of God,” acknowledging instructions, received on 29th April 1560, to commit to writing their Judgments touching the Reformation of Religion. The book is offered “for common order and uniformity to be known in this Realm, concerning Doctrine, Administration of Sacraments [Election of Ministers, Provision for their Sustentation], Ecclesiastical Discipline, and Policy of the Kirk.” The Lords are desired neither to admit anything which God’s plain Word shall not approve, nor yet to reject such ordinances as equity, justice, and God’s Word do specify. Cf. pp. 217, 243 supra.
246 The Lords think that none should be admitted to preach unless they are qualified therefor, but rather that they should be retained as readers; and such as are preachers already, not found qualified for that office by the Superintendent, should be placed as readers. (Additio.) [Here and at sundry other points in the Book there are incorporated passages marked “Additio,” importing emendations made by the Lords upon the original document submitted by the Compilers. In the present edition these emendations are, in most instances, transferred to footnotes.—Ed.]
247 Provision for the wives of ministers after their decease to be remitted to the discretion of the Kirk. (Additio.)
248 This paragraph was an additio of the Lords of the Congregation.
249 A measure of about 90 bushels, roughly.
250 Barley.
251 We require the same for their daughters; to wit, that they be virtuously brought up, and honestly doted when they come to maturity of years, at the discretion of the Kirk. (Additio.)
252 The Sections are numbered in this edition as in the edition of 1722. Originally the Book of Discipline had nine “heads” with sundry sub-headings, numbered in some cases and not in others. The numbering coincides up to this point.—Ed.
253 The tract of country drained by the Gala Water and Caden Water. It comprised an ecclesiastical district in the unreformed Church, and subsequently a parish, of which the town of Stow formed the central point.—Ed.
254 At a distance from the sea; in the country.
255 Scholars; undergraduates.
256 Tutor.
257 Capacity for receiving instruction.
258 Classification of students according to birthplace.
259 Bodily exercise; military exercise.—Jamieson.
260 Concluded by the Lords: that these teinds and other exactions be clean discharged, and never be taken in time coming, such as the Uppermost Cloth, the Corps-present, the Clerk-mail, the Easter offerings, Teind Ale, and all handlings Upaland can neither be required nor received of godly conscience. (Additio.)
261 Leases.
262 Evidence.
263 Chanters were laics endowed with ecclesiastical benefices.
264 The Lords condescend that the manse and yards be restored to the ministers. And all the Lords consent that the ministers have six acres of land, except Marischall, Morton, Glencairn, and Cassillis, where manses are of great quantity. (Additio.)
265 Their enormity emphasised.
266 Appointed diet of the Church Court.
267 Foreign; irrelevant.
268 Thread; sequence.
269 Dowry.
270 And yet, notwithstanding, we are not so precise, but that we are content that particular kirks use them in that behalf, with the consent of the ministry of the same, as they will answer to God, and to the Assembly of the Universal Kirk gathered within the realm. (Additio.)
271 Beam.
272 That is, in modern terms, 27th January 1561, the year running from 25th March (instead of 1st January), in the computation of time then in use.