Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

Outset, n.² Also: owt- and -sett, -sed(e. [Set v.] a. Making forthcoming, advancing, payment (of a promised sum of money). b. Instigation. c. Setting out (to advantage), setting off, adornment, embellishment; also, that which adorns or embellishes. d. Issue, edition (of a book).a. 1482 Bamff Chart. 32.
Ande for the said some and payment and outsede of the samyne Scher James sal gef his obligacionb. 1580 Prot. Bk. W. Cumming 247 b.
Be his causing, command, assistance and ratihabition, deid, outset, fortification or ony other culler or ingynec. 1573-1600 Craig in Cath. Tr. (S.T.S.) 249/11.
Power to mak lawes upone indifferent thinges for the edificatione of the kirk and outset of the honour of God 1583 Chapel Royal lxxxvii.
Thane it wer necessar for the owtsett off the said paleys … to tak away the cheppell 1596 Dalr. I. 94/11.
Bracelets about thair armes, iewalis about thair neck … baith cumlie and decent, and mekle to thair decore and outsett Ib. 160/11.
Plutarchie … quha could illustir histories, and was sa notable in the policie, dekking, and outset of maneris and honestie 1633 Sc. N. & Q. I. 52/2.
For furnitor to the touns fittmantill of silk, small pesments, bucassie, and some welwet that wanted to outsed 1645 Rutherford Tryal Faith (1743) Ded. 3 a.
Christ is the outset, the master flower, the uncreated garland of heavend. 1622-6 Bisset I. 84/16.
For the travell and diligens takin be thame in this present editioun and outset