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.

Counterpace, -paise, v. Also: -passe. [e.m.E. counterpaise, -peise, ME. -peyse, -peyce, ONF. countrepeiser.]

1. tr. To counteract, render ineffective. 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 153.
Vainlie and presumptuouslie vsurping vpoun thé to counterpace … thy soveranes proclamatioune

2. To weigh against; to serve to balance or equalize. 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 356.
Sumthing mon be writtin … to counterpasse, at least in wordis, the murtheris … that the kingis subiectis hes sustenit 1585 Calderwood IV. 368.
When our thought-thankes … are of no worthie weight to counterpace the smallest part of these … courtesies c1590 Fowler 287/151.
So long as I did go about to counterpaise agane And conterbalance al my faults with my tormenting pane 1622 Thanes of Cawdor 257.
The Laird of Killravok will schuit for a tak of the teindis of your landis, … to counterpace the tak that ye hawe of his teindis