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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.

Fordell, n. Also: fordaill, -dall. [e.m.E. fordell, late ME. fordele, f. dele Dele n. (part).]

1. Precedence, lead; advantage or profit. 1513 Doug. v. iii. 97.
Now hes Pistrys the fordell[Sm. fordaill], and syne in hy The byg Centawr … slyppis by 1535 Stewart 51633.
Ane flatterar and feȝear for ane fordell 1618 Stirling Ant. III. 307.
No servant to work after ten hours at even on Saturday in their fordalls under pain of iij s. iv d. vnlaw

2. A fordell. a. In hand. b. In front, in the way. 1565 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 360.
To send to Flanderis … for ane barrell of pulder, in consideration that thair is bot presently a fordell only bot a barrell and a half barrell a1651 Calderwood II. 574.
So long as men of vertue and honour … sall stand a fordell, to controll thair abusings and wicked proceidings

3. attrib. In hand or reserve. 1570 (1650) Dundee B. Laws 113.
Considering … how thair can be no common weill maintained, except thaire be fordell geare to the help theairof 1595 Aberd. B. Rec. II. 126.
Thair is na fordell syluer of the townis accidentis in his handis 1607 Ib. 293.
Thair wes no fordell siluer in the handis of the thesaurer