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 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Promiscuously, -lie, adv. Also: -cuos-; -cous-; -quus-. [e.m.E. promiscuously (1609), cf. Promiscuous(e adj.] a. Without distinction, discrimination or order; indiscriminately; at random; in confusion. b. Of dancing etc.: Mixed, between the sexes.a. 1665 Edinb. B. Rec. X 2.
That there ar severall brew-houssis in Leith … in contraversie betwix the good toun and the shyre … and is … promiscuouslie surveyed and the dewtie uplifted … not distinguishing whither it perteins to the good toun or shyre therefoir it is speciallie provyded … that the said promiscuous intrometting with … the said dewtie … sall nawayis prejudge the good toun 1667 Lauder Jrnl. 149.
Their was a minister … that had a great gade of ending promiscuosly his sermons as for example [etc.] 1674 Kirkcaldy B. Rec. MS 2 Nov.
That the auditors … be chosen promiscouslie out of the new & old counsell 1675 Ib. 11 Feb.
And seing the 1000 merkes payed to John Boiswill was payed out of the first end thairof and mark upon the boll promisquuslie 1678 Mackenzie Laws & C. i xvii 4 (1678) 174.
To that absurd custome amongst tinkers, of living promiscuously, and using one anothers wives as concubines 1682 Kirkcaldy B. Rec. MS 13 Nov.
And non to pretend ane place or prehemence above uthers bot to enter promiscously 1688 Dunkeld Presb. I 502.
Excepting that marriages, burialls, and baptisms are set down therin promiscouslieb. 1680 Cramond Ch. Grange 36.
By haveing pypeing and danceing amongst young men and women promiscuouslie in his house late upon Saturdayes night