A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1963 (DOST Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1491, 1549-1671
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Hangman, n. Also: hinge man. [ME. hangeman (1393).] A man appointed to hang condemned persons. 1491 Treasurer's Accounts I. 180.
To the hangman to hang a theyf 1549 Complaynte of Scotland 27/12.
Ane boreau or hangman 1560–1 Edinb. Old Acc. I. 346.
For cordis and bussomis to scurge the hinge man 1592 Satirical Poems xxxviii. 62.
Thocht hangmen ouirgang men c1615 Chron. Kings 110.
That the cleathing off the deid belangit to the hangman 1631 Peebles B. Rec. 416.
To hangmane for his waiges 1671 Stirling Common Good MS. 74.
The hangmans hous
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"Hangman n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/hangman>
