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.

Bestow, v. Also: bestowe, beistow, be-, bistou, bestoun. [e.m.E. and ME. bestow, ME. bi-, bystowe (14th c.).] tr. To apply, employ, devote, etc.1558 Q. Kennedy Tractive 113 (to bestow our laubouris to the glore of God). a1578 Pitsc. I. 192/34 (benefeittis that he had bestowit vpone him). a1585 Maitl. Q. xl. 113 (beistow ȝour giftis on sic … ). 1629 Annandale Corr. 281 (it will be wele bestoudd). 1632–3 Glasgow B. Rec. II. 504 (to bestoun on the Hie Kirk). c 1653 Irvine Mun. II. 254 (for drink we bistouit ther).