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Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

NARRATE, v. Also †narrete (Ags. 1722 J. Malcolm Monifieth (1910) 147), which suggests an 18th c. pronunciation with the first syllable accented.

1. Sc. Law: to set forth the relevant facts in a document, to tabulate, list in a formal manner, to state. Cf. Narrative.Sc. 1699 Rules & Instructions T. C. Edb. on Streetsellers:
All such as are above Narrated, are to enter into one Society.Rxb. 1733 Melrose Parish Reg. (S.R.S.) 189:
Which sum was disposed of by the minister for necessary uses narrated in the intimation.Sc. 1752 J. Spottiswoode Stile of Writs 80:
In narrating all Sorts of simple Bonds, Discretion, and the Scope of the Writ in which they are to be narrated, will direct what Clauses are to be more fully expressed.

2. To relate, recount, tell (Sc. 1755 Johnson Dict., 1782 J. Sinclair Ob. Sc. Dial. 91). Orig. Sc. but adopted in Eng. c.1750, though narration dates from 1432.Sc. 1706 Memoirs J. Clerk (S.H.S.) 58:
I judge it needless . . . to narrate what was transacted by the Commissioners.Sc. 1764 Jnls. R. Forbes (Craven 1886) 24:
The first Lesson, Morning Prayer, 2 Sam. 21, at ver. 5, narrating the Slaying of the Gibeonites.Ayr. 1786 Burns Brigs of Ayr 53–4:
Impell'd by all-directing Fate, To witness what I after shall narrate.Sc. 1813 Quarterly Review (July) 433:
The style [of McCrie's Knox] is . . . free from all modern affectation, excepting the abominable verb “narrate”, which must absolutely be prescribed in all good writing.