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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

IMPRUIVE, v. Also impruve; †imprive, ‡impreeve (n.Sc.). Sc. forms of Eng. improve, to make better, †to turn to advantage, freq. in 18th c. usage, in reference to the improvement of land by enclosing, drainage, etc. St. pa.p. ‡improven. [m. and s.Sc. ɪm′prø: v. -′pre:v, n.Sc. †-pri:v]Peb. 1715 A. Pennecuik Tweeddale 5:
Which places, with the Neighbourhood about, are very much improven of late.Sc. 1732 T. Boston Crook in the Lot (1773) I. 43:
The crook in the lot rightly improven hath turned to the best account.Abd. 1772 Weekly Mag. (22 Oct.) 102:
Fat ivir ye've impriv'd in, Sir, weel I wite, it's ne i' your langige.Arg. 1794 J. Robson Agric. Arg. 56:
There are a number of tenants who have a turn for improving.Cai. 1869 M. McLennan Peasant Life 260:
I dinna see that a bourtree in that corner will in any way impriv' it.Abd. 1929 J. Alexander Mains & Hilly 31:
They nedder tak' up their heid wi releegion nor naething 'at wid impruv' min' or speerit.

Hence (1) improver, one who applied himself to making land more productive, specif. in reference to certain 18th c. landowners as pioneers of the agricultural revolution in Scotland. Hist.; (2) impruivement (Edb. 1791 J. Learmont Poems 215; Kcb. 1911 G. M. Gordon Auld Clay Biggin, 89), impreuvement (Sc. 1831 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) III. 201), impreevement (Abd. 1929 J. Alexander Mains & Hilly 151; Bnff. 1958).(1) Sc. 1732 Caled. Mercury (27 July):
The Honourable Society of Improvers in Agriculture having . . . made Trial of the above Spirit, both in Drams and Punch, do Approve thereof.Sc. 1743 R. Maxwell Select Trans. 3:
In pursuance of so noble a Resolution, these Lovers of their Country united themselves together [in 1723] and took upon Them the title of The Honourable The Society of Improvers in the Knowledge of Agriculture in Scotland.Sc. 1784 A. Wight Husbandry III. 456:
This notable improver feeds ewes and lambs with red clover in a grass field, where they are confined within hurdles or flakes, and the clover put into racks.Sc. a.1814 J. Ramsay Scot. and Scotsmen (1888) II. 229:
About 1749 or 1750, the late Mr Drummond of Blair became an improver.Bnff. 1951 Banffshire Jnl. (10 July):
The chief service rendered by the Society of Improvers was in the shape of advice offered to its members as to the best mode of improving their lands.