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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.

Ostensio(u)n(e, Ostencion(e, Ostentio(u)n(e, n. Also: ostenson. [e.m.E. ostencion (Caxton), ostension (1607), F. ostension (13th c.), L. ostensio.] Exhibition, display.

1. Manifestation, demonstration. 1489 Acts II. 220/2.
The electioune … of … lordis … for the ostensioune and furthputting of the Kingis autorite in the administracioune of justice 1562 Edinb. B. Rec. III. 143.
Maister William … to … leid tryale … of his qualificatioun and eruditioun be demonstratioun and ostentioun of his science and knawledge

2. Presentation (of a document or the like) for scrutiny in a matter of law. 1489 Acts II. 222/1.
The saidis personis … has bene ofttymes callit for the ostensioune and schewing of thare richtis 1494 Acta Conc. I. 340/2.
A charter maid to hir … without ostensioune or schewing of ony confirmacioune of our souerane lord 1519 Fife Sheriff Ct. 162.
The said Margrete had lif rent of the saidis landis … be the ostencione of the chartir & sesing tharapone producit 1536 Dunferm. Reg. Ct. 137 (see Ostensit p.p.).

3. The action of presenting (? by holding up) one's hand in taking an oath or giving an undertaking. 1514 Acta Conc. Public Aff. 23.
The lordis forsaid has oblist thame ilkane be the ostencion of thar handis that [etc.] 1522 Acta Conc. MS. XXXIII. 30 b.
Be the ostensioun of his hand 1533–4 Lochwinnoch Par. 3.
That William Lord Sempill band and oblist him be the ostentione of his hand to … keep him scaithles 1542 Acts II. 593/2.
The thre estatis of parliament hes maid faith … be ostentioun of thare richt handis that thai [etc.] 1543 Glasgow Chart. II. 505.
[They] ar oblest, be the ostentioun of thair handis befoir the baillie 1560 Echt-Forbes Chart. 97.
Be the ostensioun of ther rycht hand 1566 Fam. Innes 122.
Ostensioun 1587 Acts III. 458/2. 1593–4 St. A. Kirk S. 771.
Ostentioun