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.
Quotation dates: 1556-1585, 1686
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Opprobry, n. Also: opprobrie, opprobré. [Late ME. (15th c.) and e.m.E. obpropry, opprobry, -ie, L. opprobrium.] a. Opprobrium, reproach, infamy. b. An instance of this, a calumny. —a. 1570–1 Knox in Bann. Memor. 101.
I may beare the opprobrie of the croce of Jesus Christ 1581 Hamilton in Cath. Tr. (S.T.S.) 95/14.
Quhilk to baith your M. opprobreis and dishonoris come in all mennis handis 1585 Cal. Sc. P. VIII. 142.
[To our sovereign's high dishonour and our] opprobrie 1686 Inverness Rec. II. 338.
To the great disparagement, reflection & opprobry of the persones of inquestb. 1556 Knox IV. 77.
Accused as a fals teacher and seducer of the people, besides other opprobries 1581 Hamilton in Cath. Tr. (S.T.S.) 75/5.
That thair calumnious opprobreis tendit also to his gret preiudice and dishonor
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"Opprobry n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 16 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/opprobry>
