A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1581-1606
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Ruse, n.2 [Late ME ruse detour made by the quarry in a hunt (c1410), 17th c. Eng. also = a stratagem (1625), F. ruse (c1112 in Larousse), f. ruser. Cf. Rusit ppl. adj.] A stratagem or trick. — 1581 Hamilton Cath. Tr. 11.
The ministers practesis tua cheif rusis to retene men out of that kirk quhairin thame seluis … var baptesit 1590 Burel Pilgr. ii 361.
Thy scusis and rusis Sall serue for na effect, Bot … sall further Thy knaifre to detect 1606 Birnie Kirk-b. xix.
Vse is an euill ruse where warrand is away, let reason ouer-rule and ordour reforme
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"Ruse n.2". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/ruse_n_2>
