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.
Quotation dates: 1598-1650
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Theorick(e, -ike, n. [ME and e.m.E. theorique (Gower), theorik (Chaucer), theorike (1551), theorick (1592), OF theorique, med. L. theoricus.] Abstract knowledge of the theory or principles (of something, freq. as distinct from Practik n. 4. — 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 20/10.
The particular diseases of this kingdome, with the best remedies for the same; whiche it became me best as a king, hauing learned both the theorick and practick thereof, more plainlie to expresse, then [etc.] 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 150/3.
By reiding of authentike histories … ye sall learne experience be theorike [1599 theoricke, 1603 theorick] 1604 James VI Tobacco 89/27.
These deceitfull grounds … two founded vpon the theoricke of a deceiueable apparance of reason, and two of them vpon the mistaken practicke of generall experience c1650 P. Gordon Brit. Dist. 8.
[Charles I] haveing theoricke more perfect then many of the best preachers, and for the practick it was well knowin that, if hee had not bene a king, he could haue bene ane excellent preacher
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"Theorick n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/theoricke>
