Dictionaries of the Scots Language
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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.

Frist, (Frest,) v. [ME. fryst, frest, earlier firsten (a 1225), f. Frist,n.; ON. fresta. See also First v.]

1. tr. a. To give (goods) on credit. c1420 Ratis R. 1004.
And it is wnreddy payment That thow has fristit out or lent 1493 Halyb. 6.
For a gon that I causit our wardin frist him a1586 Maitland Geneal. Setoun 8.
If onie … be aduentur fall in pouertie … len them and frist of thy geir to them 1601 Reg. Privy C. VI. 200.
The evill payment … of personis to quhome thay frist thair wynis

b. To allow to be delayed. a1598 Fergusson Prov. (1641) 18 b.
The thing that is fristed. is not forgiven 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1671) 188.
I but beg earnest, and am content to suspend & frist glory while supper time 1677 Corshill Baron Ct. 144.
The said sowme to be payed … , but any farder delay, in regaird the sowme is litle and canot be longer fristed

2. To give or grant (a person) delay, respite, or credit; to trust for payment. a1500 Seven S. 1590.
Scho was punist thocht scho was frist [:best] 1570 Sat. P. xvi. 71.
Thocht he be fristit at this tyme He will not be forgeuin 1632 Rutherford Lett. (1862) I. 82.
Amend your hope and frist your faithful Lord who maketh Himself your debtor 1637 Ib. 267.
Frist Christ; He is an honest debtor

3. intr. To make delay. a1500 Seven S. 1503.
I sall neuer langar frist Bot that thow luf quhar euer thow list 1535 Stewart 5350.
Julius … Thairof wald delay na langar nor frist