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: 1641-1671
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Top(e, v. [ME and e.m.E. toppede p.t. (c1305), top (15th c.).] a. tr. To oppose (something). b. intr. To top with, to dispute or argue with (cf. to be in tops with Top n.1 8 a). —a. 1641 Baillie I 390.
The king did nominate one day, in face of parliament, [the Earl of Mortoun], whill Argyle topes this nomination, as of man unmeet —b. a1658 Durham Comm. Rev. 103.
What may move men of judgement and parts (especially if they be conscientious) to top with magistrates? It's not like that self interests doth that 1671 Lauder Jrnl. 218.
Who toped with the Colledge of Justice for the precedency and carried it from them, and who feared not to make open war with the greatest of them?
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"Top v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 14 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/tope>
