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 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Subvene, v. Also: -veyne, -weyn. [18th c. Eng. subvene (once, 1756), L. subvenīre.] a. tr. To help, assist; to rescue fra (harm). b. intr. Also const. to one's need. —a. c1490 Irland Asl. MS 34/24.
Thow art oblist to subuene and helpe the persone and nocht to byde the extreme necessite 1533 Boece 389b.
Quhen King Gregoure considerit the debate betuix Britouns and Scottis in Anandale, he assemblit power to subvene the samyn fra iniuris of Britouns 1540–1 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 229.
With power to cheis ane ourman efter thairis awin electioun to subveyne thaim geif neid beis with gud counsaill —b. 1533 Boece 367b.
Kenneth with hors men followit reddy to subvene and help at nede 1587 Cal. Sc. P. IX 517.
Ony uthir licens of no importance that mycht subweyn to his necessite