Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Qualificatioun, n. Also: -ion(e, qualyficatioun, qualliefiecatioune. [e.m.E. qualification modification, limitation (1543–4), distinctive quality, character (Shakesp.), F. qualification (1573, Godef.), med. L. qualification- (1389).]

1. The condition of being qualified (Qualifyit ppl. adj. 1) or possessed of the requisite skill or knowledge; capability, competence, fitness. Also pl., id.For further examples see Literatur(e n. (2). 1561 Reg. Privy S. V i 205/1.
Understanding his qualificatioun in science and gude behavour 1567 Reg. Privy C. I 539.
The honestie, habilitie, qualificatioun, and sufficiency of oure said dearest brother 1576 Reg. Soltre 233.
The said Johnne … was examinat in his qualificatioun of prayar and was found to haue ane aggreable iugement of the Lordis prayer 1598 Conv. Burghs II 39.
Efter lang ressoneing vpoun the qualyficatioun of dyuerssis … merchandis quhome … thay micht haue thocht maist meitt for [etc.] 1632 Soc. Ant. XXX (1895–6) 59.
Efter tryell takin … of the qualificatioun of the within namit … to exerce the office specifeit, findis thame qualifeit 1637 Rec. Old Aberd. I 302.
To try the qualliefiecatioune abillitie substance and lautie of sick craftsmen as sall enter within the said cittie 1644 S. Leith Rec. 50. 1655 Aberd. B. Rec. IV 155.
His bygane cariage, and present qualificatioun and conditioun 1655 Stitchill Baron Ct. 1.pl. 1640 Argyll Synod I 28.
Knowing the literature and qualifications of Mr. Joⁿ Darroch 1644 Ib. 89.
In the judgeing of their qualifications and the abilities which they kyth upon the subjects aftermentionat 1649 Acts Sederunt ii 62.
The … admission of persons to the office of being publick nottars, upon slight and perfunctory triall of their qualificationes 1672 Edinb. B. Rec. X 135.
The abilitys and sufficient qualifications of William Destenbruic Frensh man to teach that language 1690 Cramond Kirk S. III 11 Aug.
They are satisfied of his good qualificationes for the ministeriall function

2. A limitation, reservation or relevant additional point to a declaration, deposition or statement on oath. = Qualité n. 5 b.1657 (see Qualifyit ppl. adj. 3). — 1670 Morison Dict. Decis. 13203.
It was alleged that he ought to stand to the qualification 1688 Tryal Philip Standsfield 6.
Always denying the inditement and … qualifications thereof