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 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Riotousnes, n. Also: ryoutes-, ryattous-, reatous-. [e.m.E. rioutousnes (1542); Riot(o)us adj. See also Royetnes n.] a. Extravagance; wastefulness; (excessive) revelry. b. Lechery; wantonness. —a. 1567–8 St. A. Kirk S. 294.
The said Johne desyrit the same [marriage] to be performit wythtout ryoutesnes on ane honest quiet maneir 1581 Burne Disput. in 1573-1600 Cath. Tr. 124/14.
Ve quha professis our selfis to be his [sc. Christ's] members sould be euer in ryattousnes and plesours of this varld 1588 Comm. Univ. III (St. A.) App. 195.
They are content the banquetting, reatousnes of clething, and libertie grantit to the scoleris at the Bachiler Artis be dischairgit —b. 1588 King Cat. 39.
That … nocht onlie we eschewe the infami of lubricitie or riotousnes, bot [etc.]