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 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Rebous(e, Rabous, n. [OF rebous var. of rebours Rebour(i)s n.] a. At rebous, in the opposite or wrong direction. = At rebouris, see Rebour(i)s n. b. A contrary movement; movement back. c. Threatening speech or behaviour. But rebous, without fuss or objection.Common in Stewart.A later form of Rebour(i)s n.a. 1375 Barb. xiii 486 (see Rebour(i)s n.).
Rabous a1400 Leg. S. l 860.
Thir quhelis … twa aganis twa Sall alwais twrne in contrare cours As thingis beand at rebouse [ed. rebourse] c1460 Alex. (Taym.) 10236.
Giff thai be nerrow thirllit of speiche rous Thai ar dousocht [sic in MS] to ansure at rabousb. 1535 Stewart 26489.
Throw the sound the rumord and the reird The schawis schuik and trimlit all the erd, With sic rebous reboundand fra the bruke Ib. 57050.c. (1) 1533 Boece 135.
The reird and vane rebous of that barbare pepill [L. sonoras & inanes barbarorum minas] 1535 Stewart 10544.
My fatheris hous Ȝe haif put doun and done me sic rebous Ib. 52603.
Commanding him with bost and greit rebous … for to gif ouir the hous(2) 1535 Stewart 16658.
Ressaueand him richt blythlie … but baid or ȝit rebous Ib. 40099.
His wyfe … , but bargane or rebous, Rycht reuerentlie to him gaif ouir the hous Ib. 41361.
Richt humlie, but rancour or rebous Ib. 51035.
Ane fair squyar and laulie but rebous