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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.

Reject, -jeck, v. Also: -gect. P.t. and p.p. -it; also -ject, -shect. [e.m.E. reiect (1494), -ject(e, L. reject-, p.p. stem of rēicere to throw back, f. jacere to throw. Cf. obs. F. rejecter, var. of rejetter (mod. F. rejeter).] tr.

1. To refuse to accept, adopt or acquiesce in (a point of view, doctrine or practice). 1531 Bell. Boece II 46.
This last opinion was rejeckit be universal vocis of al the noblis 1562-3 Winȝet I 127/18.
Quhy reiect ȝe and dispyssis the samin indifferentlie as … idolatrical 1580 Hay in Cath. Tr. 61/16. 1600 Hamilton Facile Tr. in 1573-1600 Cath. Tr. (S.T.S.) 229/15.
Thair particular interpretation of the scriptures … suld be reiectit as the deuilege adultering of the word of God

b. To set aside as worthless or invalid. 1566 St. A. Kirk S. 272.
The sammyn [sc. summons] is inept, irrelevant [etc.] … and … suld be rejeckit and repellit 1582 Cal. Sc. P. VI 147.
Veying ȝour desert so schelmelie regectit c1590 Fowler II 31/28.
The ancient docteurs quhais autorities nather we contemne nor dois reiect

2. To dismiss or reject (a person) from one's presence or society; to cast off.pres. 1533 Boece 545b.
Edwerd … reiecting him [sc. Bruce] with ane lichtlie worde 1563 Ferg. Answer in 1563-72 Tracts 29.
Althogh we do reject you for just causes, principally for your intoxicat doctrinep.t. a1700 Maidment New Bk. Old Ballads 13.
A' his flattering wad nae dee, She scornfuly reshect himp.p. c1568 Lauder Minor P. i 128.
He is reieckit now instantlie alwayis Ib. iii 124.
But ȝe repent, the Lord hes ȝow reiect

b. To dismiss from one's mind. — 1596 Dalr. I 180/9.
Casting thairfor asyd the commoune effairis of the realme, & reiecteng the commoune welth and contemneng the nobilitie

3. To refer (an issue) to (upon) another person for decision or action. 1533 Bell. Livy II 183/10.
Eftir that this mater was lang dispute afore the senate, it was reieckit [L. delegata] to the bischoppis, that thai mycht decerne thareapoun 1558 Knox IV 485.
The feeding of Christes flock … is rejected upon the byshoppes and estate ecclesiasticall 1687 Shields Hind Let Loose 67.
For they [sc. bishops] were to be rejected to, and tried by assemblies

b. To cast (a fault) back to (a person); to blame upon. — 1581 Burne Disput. 9.
Ane man sould not reiect the caus of his auin … vickednes to the prescience of God