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

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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Observing, vbl. n. Also: -seru(u)yng, -serw(e)in(g, -sarving. [e.m.E. observynge (1526), -ing.]

1. Observing, obeying, adhering to (a law, contract, agreement, etc.). 1472 Lennox Mun. 92.
To the obseruuyng … of all … thyr thyngis abown wryttyn [they have] gewyn thar bedely [sic in pr.] athys 1474 Edinb. B. Rec. I. 29.
To the fortifeing and obseruing of the said desiris and statutis … we have assentit 1490–1 Liber Melros II. 600.
To the quhilk obserwin kepin and fullfilling of the premisses … I … bindis … me 1498 Bk. Carlaverock II. 451.
The said lord erle has alluterlie failȝeit in the obseruing, keiping and fulfilling of the saide indenturis 1500 Edinb. B. Rec. I. 81. 1530 Ib. II. 34. 1553 St. A. Baxter Bks. 89. a1578 Pitsc. I. 280/4.
Nathing sould faill on his syde in obserwing of the band maid betuix the King of Scottland and him 1586–7 Cal. Sc. P. IX. 397.
The observing of the precept that [etc.] 1591–2 Lanark B. Rec. 103.
For obsarving the saming [contract]

2. The observance or keeping of a festival. 1562-3 Winȝet I. 30/34.
His haly Kirk vniuersal hes bene euer pollutit with idolatrie in the obseruing of thir dayis

3. The maintenance or preservation of good order. a1578 Pitsc. II. 309/23.
The regent … did resawe sum pledges of sum of the theiwes for the obserweing of guid ordour in tyme cuming