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.
Quotation dates: 1469-1579
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Counstable, n. [Variant of constable, after other words in coun- varying with con-.] = Constable. 1469 Acts II. 95/1.
That na capitane nor counstable of the kingis castellis … sall beir office within the said toune 1478 Acts Lords Auditors 62/2.
The captain, counstable, & kepiris of the said castel to ressaf thaim in ward 1507 Treasurer's Accounts IV. 79.
Payit for a tyrment of the Counstable of the Abbay 1533 Boece xiii. viij. 516.
Alane Galloway, Counstable (quhilk nixt the king is ane authorite having power to iustify ony man that makis effusioun of blude within twa myle of the king) 1579 Wemyss Corr. 24.
The captane, counstable, and keiperis of our castell
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"Counstable n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/counstable>
