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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.

Sclavery, Slaverie, n.¹ Also: sclaverie, sklaverie; slavrie, slawrie, slaivrie; slaifrie. [e.m.E. slauerie (1551); Sclave n.]

1. The fact, or condition, of being a slave; slavery.(a) 1604 Aberd. Eccl. Rec. 30.
For relaving of his sone from the sclaverie and bondage of the Turkis(b) 1639 Fife Synod 116.
Taken captive be the Turks and detaind in miserable slaivrie(c) 1677 Aberd. B. Rec. IV 298.
The counsell being … willing to assist the releise of thair neghbours [sc. a skipper of Montrose and his crew] from such slauerie and bondage [in Algiers]

2. A state of drudgery; servitude; serfdom.(a) 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v.
Villenagivm, … sklaverie or servitude 1683 Meikle Old Session Bk. 166.
Tuo men relived from the Turks slavrie(b) c1590 J. Stewart 81/61.
Baiacet … Quhom Tamberlan … meed drie Ane extreme slawrie till that he did die

3. A condition of total dependence on, or domination by, some power. 1564 in Knox VI 319.
By the which he draweth us out of the bondage and sclavery of Satan 1605 Glasgow B. Rec. I 243.
The enemies of this commoun weill, quha intendis to withstand the libertie of this burgh and bring the samin in perpetuall miserie and slaifrie

4. Absence of political freedom. 1666–71 Misc. Hist. Soc. II 338.
That they be condiscended on in ane lawfull Parliament … and so be clearlie knawen to be the … liberties the kingdome wtherwayes … what some will call liberties wther will call sclauerie and bondage

5. fig. An intolerable situation. 1627 Reg. Privy C. 2 Ser. I 603.
[The behaviour of vagabond soldiers] is a slaverie and burthein so greevous … to the countrie … that [etc.]