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

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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Problem(e, Problewm, n. Also: probleam(e, problam(e, probleume, problowme. [ME and e.m.E. probleme (Wyclif, Chaucer), problem (Lydgate), F. problème (14th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), L. problēma.]

1. A difficult or puzzling question, espec. one put forward for academic or scholastic discussion or dispute. a1500 Prestis of Peblis 144.
I haue na nother tale nor thewme Excepand to ȝow bischopis a problevme Quhilk is to me ane questioun & ane dowt Out of my mynd I wald ȝe put it owt Ib. 255.
The kyng Desyrand for to wit the solȝeing Of this questioun this problevme & this dowt 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 249.
Clerkis diuine with problewmis curius Ib. 1182.
At eis thay … Gaue problewmis seir and mony fair demandis, Inquyrand quha best in thair times had bene c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus ii 41.
Quhat is thair to expone Of argument probleme or questioun That ȝe wald haif discust? Ib. iii 894.
I wait ȝe all in science sa dois schine … That all obscure probleme or questioun Ȝe can discus … as regentis most deuine Id. Seven S. 235. a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 874 (L).
Sa mony and bony Auld problames [W. probleames, Wr. problemes] thay proponit

2. A comparison or analogy (? as advanced in a scholastic discussion), a metaphor, allegory, parable. a1500 Henr. Fab. 2592 (H).
Esope … Wrait this parabole … Quhais problemis bene verray excellent, Throw similitude of figuris, to this day a1538 Abell 7 a.
Samson … mareit a wirgin of Philistais and eftir that he had slane ane lione be a problowme of the sam he gat occasioun the Philisteis to distroy 1622-6 Bisset II 388/14.
Quhat sall I writt or compair be alligorie … of erthlie freindschip … betuix these twa nobill monarches … or quhat comparisone be parabill problame or symilitude can be maid of the samin