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. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Sort, n.¹ [ME and e.m.E. sort (c1250), OF sort (c980 in Larousse), L. sort-, stem of sors a lot; fate, destiny.] a. A lot, as cast or drawn (Lot n.¹ 1); also, division by lot (cf. Lot n.¹ 2 a). b. With possess. pron.: The fate or destiny of an individual. c. To send the sort apon (someone), to pick or elect by the casting of lots. d. That which is allotted, a share, portion. —a. 1401 Aberd. B. Rec. I 382.
And thir arr the sortis that arr outetane the Lord of Mar, Sir W. of Keth [etc.] 1531 Bell. Boece (M) I 46.
All the landis of Scotland wer cassin in sort and cavill amang the nobillis … The secund sort fell to Lutork —b. a1500 Lanc. 26.
So be such meine fatit was my sort 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 287.
Is this ȝour destanie and sort? —c. 1563-1570 Buch. Wr. 10.
Efter prayer … that God of His gudenes wald send the sort apon hym that war habliast to exerce that estat —d. c1520-c1535 Nisbet Acts viii 21.
Thar is na part nor sort [P. sort; L. sors] to thee in this word