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 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Say-drink, Sey-drink, n. [Say n.² and Drink n.] In Glasgow and in Fife: A charge levied from a newly admitted entrant to the freedom of a craft, presumably to defray the cost of drink provided to those present at his assay (Assay n. 3 c, Say n.² 1); later commuted to a fee. — 1585 Dunferm. Hammermen MS p. 1a.
[He] sall pay … the sey drink at the will of the craft 1608 Glasgow Bonnetmakers 35.
[The entry money was fixed at 16 punds with] bankett and say drink 1612 Glasgow Weavers 26.
In all tymes cuming thair banquettis and say drink … sall be convertit in money to the commoune weill of the craft 1622 St. A. Baxter Bks. 85.
Quha hes payit speaking drink, sey drink, and tuentie li., conforme to ane act maid of befoir insert in this buik 1629 Glasgow Hammermen 15.
Johnne Jaiphray is admittit frieman … and hes satisfeyit the sey drink 1650 Glasgow Weavers 28.
Everie stranger entering ane frieman heireftir, sall pay of wpsett at his entrie four scoir markis, by and besyd the dewis to be payit for the say drink, mortclothe [etc.] 1683 Ib. 34.
Each person intending to mak himself friman being friemens sons and goodsones sall pay at thair admission eight pundis Scotis quhairin ther say drink is to be includit