Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1704-1723
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RESPONSAL, adj. Also responsall, rasponsall. Responsible, trustworthy. Obs. in Eng. since 17th c. Hence responsality, responsibility.Fif. 1704 D. Beveridge Culross (1885) H. 34:
The session allows the giving in loan their four communion cups to Saline, upon security given for their restoration, . . . which security was given by one of their most responsal elders.Sc. 1709 Acts of Sederunt (1790) 238:
Attesters of Cautioners are only taken obliged for their Responsality and Sufficiency at Time of their Attestation.Inv. 1718 Steuart Letter Bk. (S.H.S.) 71:
I have tow Rasponsall landed men bound by contract to pay me 6 lib. 45 Scots. at Martimas.Bnff. 1723 W. Cramond Grant Ct. Bk. (1897) 24:
If not responsall for payment to be imprisoned 8, 15 or 30 days for the first, second, and third faults.
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"Responsal adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 8 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/responsal>
