Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

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

Offensiv(e, -cive, a. Also: offensiwe, -yve, ofencesive. [e.m.E. offensyve (a 1548), offensive (1547–64), offencive (a 1640), F. offensif, -ive (1538 in Godef. Compl.).]

1. Pertaining to attack, as opposed to defence. 1569 Reg. Privy C. II. i.
Wappynnis offensive or defensing 1602 Lett. Jas. VI to Eliz. 150.
A ligue offensiue and defensiue betuixt France and my croune against Englande

2. a. Injurious, hurtful. b. Tending to give offence or excite resentment. c. To be offensive (to), to do injury (to) or to give offence (to).(1) c1590 Fowler I. 146/3.
With threatning eyes, mair offensiue then suords 1595 St. A. Kirk S. 799.
That Stevin Philp … for his unreverend speiking without licence in sessioun [etc.] … hes transgressit the act [etc.] … and if ever he be offencive agane [etc.] 1609 Aberd. Eccl. Rec. 67.
His offensive behaviour c 1615 Highland P. III. 225.
Sik newis as may nott be thocht offencesive I pray your lo. vrytt to me 1622 Perth Kirk S. MS. 15 July.
The said Issobell being moir offensive nor the wther(2) 1589 Mill Mediæv. Plays 254.
Gif thair said minstrallis throw toun hes bene offensyue to the brethren thay ar hartlie sorie 1607 Inverness Rec. II. 51.
Giff it sall happin the said Alexander Merchand to … be offensiwe culpabill to the magistratis … or misreverence them 1608 Highland P. III. 112.
The great nomber of theis vashellis … quhilkis ar so offensive to the yllismen 1614 Fraserburgh Kirk S. 36 b (31 July).
That nather be lewitie nor furnication thay sould be offensiv to the Kirk