Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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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.

Sent, v.¹ [ME and e.m.E. sent (c1400), sente (1553), scent (c1620), OF sentir (late 11th c. in Larousse), L. sentīre.] a. tr. To test (food, etc.) by smelling; to recognise by scent or smell. b. absol. To perceive or discern as if by smell; to detect or find out. c. tr. More generally, to perceive or become aware of with one or other of the senses. d. intr. Of a dog: To hunt by the sense of smell. —a. a1500 K. Hart 59.
Ane wther wes all sovellis for to sent [MS fovellis for sent], Of licour or of ony lustie meis 1494 Loutfut MS 23a.
And quhen he [sc. the stork] sentit hir he scrapit with his neb a gret space —b. c1590 Fowler II 124/3.
It falleth comonlye to all men to see bot to few to sent. For al men seeth quhat thow appereth bot very few ar that can discerne quhat thow art —c. a1568 Scott v 40.
Syne efter thame thair ladeis foundis To sent the rynnyng of the rachis —d. 1596 Dalr. I 20/21.
Another kynde of hunting dog is to sent