Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Birthinsake, Byrthynsak, n. (See also quots. and Burdinsek.) [f. birthin (see Birthing,n.), and OE. sacu action at law, prosecution.] A theft of so much as could be carried on the back. 14.. Acts I. 53/1.
De Iburthenseca seu Berthynsak id est de furto vituli vel arietis vel quantum quis supra dorsum suum portare poterit 1208–18 Liber Calchou 76.
Quietam ab omni seruicio, & curiam de blodewyt & birthinsake Ib. 80.
De parvis querimoniis .s. de blodwit & de Birthinsake suam curiam habebit 1271 Ib. 364.
Habentes curiam de bludwyth et de birthynsac et de aliis talibus parvis querelis 14.. Acts I. 53/2.
Of byrthynsak, that is to say of the thyft of a calf or of a ram or how mekill as a man may ber on his bak 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Berthinsek.
Be the law of Birdinsek, na man suld die, or be hanged for the thieft of ane scheepe, ane weale, or for sa-meikle meate as he may beare vpon his backe in ane seck 1678 Mackenzie Laws & C. i. xix. 100.
By the law … of Birthinsak [etc.]