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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Oppugn, v. Also: oppugne, oppungn, oppung. [e.m.E. oppugn(e (?15th c.), opponge (Coverdale), to attack, assail, oppose, L. oppugnāre, 16th c. F. oppugner.]

1. tr. To assail, in fig. and non-material applications; to oppose by speech or action; to controvert. 1554 Knox III. 198.
Chryst and His gospell are oppugned, His holy sacramentes are prophaned c 1556 Ib. IV. 106.
That Sathan culd not lang sleip when his kingdome was oppugnit 1565 Ib. VI. 483.
My toung hes Thow usit … to oppung idolatrie, errouris and fals doctrines 1583 Melvill 158.
The guid ordour of the Kirk, the quhilk Adamsone durst first undermynd secretlie and thairefter opinlie oppung 1596 Dalr. II. 414/26.
That ȝe wald in ane and the same crime oppung the maiestie of God 1606 Melvill 647. a1639 Spotsw. Hist. (1677) 469.
That the Church was oppugned by two sorts of enemies 1687 Shields Hind Let Loose (1797) 784. 1649 Review Brambles Faire Warning i.
Our warner undertaketh to oppugne the Scotes discipline in a way of his owne

2. absol. or intr. To speak as defender or opponent in a debate. 1630 Blair Autob. 87.
The matter was the decree of reprobation, and he to oppugn

3. tr. To contest the legality or validity of, to call in question. Also intr. const. aganis. 1562 Knox VI. 213.
I say that I have in plaine termes justlie oppungned both the groundes, broght forth by my lord, for defence of his artickle Ib.
Which groundes, because my lorde hath not hitherto proven, I must hold them as impunged and oppungned 1576 Reg. Privy C. II. 565.
The said pretendit ordinance … is … oppugnit and callit in doubt be thame selffisintr. 1576 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. I. 2.
And assignit Vednisday … to thame or ony ane of thame to oppung aganis the samin [account]

4. tr. To prevail upon. 1596 Dalr. I. 213/20.
Sum of the Peychtes he oppugnes [L. oppugnat] for money quha … walde quyetlie … put doun Constantine