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

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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Expert, Expart, adj. [ME. (Chaucer) and OF. expert, L. expertus.] Experienced; trained by experience, skilled, skilful.

1. In predicative use. 1456 Hay I. 84/35.
A knycht is usit in harnes of lang tyme, the quhilk usage makis him hardy and expert a1500 Henr. Orph. 411.
I am expert [B expart], and wo is me thairfor c1515 Asl. MS. I. 180/4.
The man be trawell cummis wys, sekere, and expert 1535 Stewart 51715.
He agane gaif him ane regiment, … As doctouris will that ar expert and wys 1570 Leslie 245.
The Quene … be the adwyse … of sum exparte, did bringe a questione [etc.]

b. Const. in, of, and with inf. or that, etc.(1) c1420 Wynt. viii. 5148.
He expart wes intyll swylk thyng 1456 Hay I. 302/10.
Wis clerkis, and men of counsale, and expert in the lawis a1500 Seven S. 620.
Thair was nane that tyme trewly Sa expert in philosophy Ib. 2192.
In sciens I se thow art expart 1513 Doug. xiii. iii. 37.
Neptunus son, expert in hors dantyng c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 1156.
I am not in lufe expart, And neuer studyit in that art 1560 Rolland Seven S. 1217.
Into euill sa done expert, Sa falslie culd the tale peruert 1625 Garden Kings 6.
The phisick arte, Whairin he … by practeis proovde exparte(2) c1515 Asl. MS. I. 153/9.
That he mycht knaw and be expart baith of the provincis and nacionis a1568 Scott x. 20.
Of thame baith I am expert 1596 Dalr. I. 142 m.
Of baith the sciences him selfe was maist expert(3) a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 35.
To help be phisike quhair that nature faillit I am expert 1513 Doug. xi. viii. 46.
Thai ar expert gif I fled one or other Ib. XIII. ix. 117.
All ar expert … quhat suld be the subcharge 1560 Rolland Seven S. Prol. 21.
In vulgar toung … To mak meter richt cunning and expart a1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. clxxx. 4.
Guid iust men … That ar expert … To gif ane faythfull counsell to ane king

2. In attributive use. 1456 Hay II. 111/2.
A notable and expert maister in astronomy 1513 Doug. vi. iv. 16.
His expert mait Sibilla 1533 Boece iv. xvi. 155 b.
Barkis & galions weill furnyst with expert marineris and weremen c1550 Rolland C. Venus ii. 5.
He him bethocht … to get sum aduocat expert 1626 Garden Worthies 49.
The countrie Gascoigne, … Expert Pittillak, in a little space Thow did regaine