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 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Abthan, n. [med. L. Abthanus (Fordun), erroneously inferred from abthania, Gael. abdhaine abbacy or abbotric, and explained as ‘father or superior of the thanes’.] — c1515 Asl. MS. I. 259/9.
Abthan of Dowe [= Dull] 1533 Boece xii. i. 453.
Ane nobill man namyt Cryne, Abthane of the Ilis. . . Abthane was the principale of thanis and cheif of thame vnder the king. To him all vthir thanis ansuerit.. . His office was to resaue the kingis rentis and vthir eschetis, and in maner of ane stewart or chawmerlane mak compt of the samyn 1535 Stewart 39196.
His dochteris sone … Quhilk weddit wes with the Abthan of Dow