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 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Distres, v. [ME. dystressin (c 1440 in this sense).] tr. To subject to distraint or compulsion. 1448 Reg. Episc. Brechin I. 114.
It is complenȝit til ws … that … ȝe cal hyme and fawtis hym for his absens and distressis tharfor 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. 78.
The distres … sall remaine in the possession of the complainer vntil it be discussed quhither he is lawfullie or vnlawfullie distressed (poynded) 1622-6 Bisset I. 172/10.
Immediately efter that they be distrest and compellit to fulfill the contentis of the saidis contractis, be payment … or be poynding of thair guidis [etc.] 1669 Ayr & W. Coll. IV. 89.
The said Johne Castellaw … confest that hee became sovertie to the said Alexander … , but could not pay quhill once he were distrest as accordes in law