Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Reche, Reich(e, Rea(t)ch(e, n.² [e.m.E. reach(e, reche an act of reaching (1570), power of or capacity for reaching (a1548), that which reaches or stretches (1526), f. Reche v. Cf. Reke n.²] a. lit. and fig. (One's) capacity or ability (to reach, etc.); power of comprehension. b. A continuous stretch or extent. —a. a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 353 (W).
Thane dreid … Forbad me mounting ony maire, To raxe abune my reiche [L. reich] a1597-1617 Hist. Jas. VI (1825) 290.
He said it past the reche of his power to pardon it 1600-1610 Melvill 14.
The smalest of his unknawin benefits passes the graittest reatche of my apprehension 1648 Misc. Spald. C. I 53.
If euer it fall in my reach to doe yow … seruice —b. 1664 Stitchill Baron Ct. 31.
To … clear that ditch-reach on the gait betwixt the lands [etc.]