A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1531, 1660-1699
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Notion(e, n. [e.m.E. (1567), L. nōtio, F. notion.] A concept or idea. a. General notion, an idea or attribute common to the several members of a class. b. Inclination, desire. c. A more or less fanciful belief or opinion. d. An inkling, hint. e. A piece of fancy or fun. — 1531 Vaus 3.
I haue collekit als schortly as I ma in manere of rude introductione, generale notionis of the aucht partis of orisone 1660 S. Ronaldshay 31.
John Budge … did ingenuously confes … that he went of his own notione 1697 Penninghame Par. Rec. I. 15.
To use the best means he can to … reclaim [him] … from his foolish notions 1698 S. Ronaldshay 72.
As soon as Mr. Alexr. heard the least notion of his being under the scandal of fornication 1699 Forrester Bishop's Claim iii. 29.
A witty knack and notion
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"Notion n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/notione>
