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

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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Rudiment(i)s, -es, n. pl. [e.m.E. rudimente (1548), chiefly plural in early use, f. L. rudis Rud(e adj.¹ Cf. MF rudiment (1495 in Larousse).] The first principles, or elements, of a subject; specif., of the Latin language. 1551 Hamilton Cat. 5.
As ane scholar quhilk is to leir ony special science man first leir the beginning or rudimentis of that science 1597 James VI Dæmonol. (STS) 8/2.
Forget not to tell what are the deuilles rudimentes 1649 Elgin Rec. II 433.
If ther be any doctour he sall teach the classes learneing the rudiments 16.. Rudiments fol. 1a (title).
Of the Rudiments of Definit[iones] Divisiones and Accidentis

b. A text book setting forth such principles; an elementary text-book. 1569 Edinb. Test. I 239.
Robert … in Drumfreis for tuelf rudimentis vj s. 1614 Edinb. B. Rec. VI 121.
That the rudimentaris be all under ane doctour, and that Dumbar Rudiments be onlie teached 1622 Edinb. Test. LI 247b.
Grameres rudimentes and vther small lectour buikis 1633 Dumbarton B. Rec. 41.
That ilk burgh sall receive and caus be taucht in thair gramar schoolis the rudiments and gramars laitlie set furth be Mr. David Weddirburne 1688 Edinb. B. Rec. XI 238.
Ane Rudiments compiled be him

c. ? The elementary Latin class. But perh. merely a further instance of a above. 1649 Elgin Rec. II 435.
At neir aucht hours the master prescrywes theams to the whole classes abow the rudiments

2. The first and tentative beginnings of an institution. 1596 Dalr. I 112/11.
In the first rudiments of our commoune weil and instructions [L. rudimentis] quhen sum barbaritie was ȝit in the land