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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Thesis, These(s, n. Pl. theses, thessus, theis. [ME (once, Trevisa, f. Latin) and e.m.E. thesis, L., Gk. thesis.]

1. A proposition or topic, chiefly, to be addressed orally and/or in writing, with the resulting conclusions being defended by the arguer in debate. 1583 Mill Mediæv. Plays 290.
The brethrein appointis to the said Johnne Broun [schoolmaster] this thesis, viz. is it lesum to play clark playis on the Sabboth day … and … gif it be lesum … to mak clark playis on ony part of the scriptur quhilk thesis the said Johnne is ordeinit to put in Latein and to vse sic probablle argwmentis as he can for preving of bayth the parttis of the said thesis & to produce the samin in wret befoir the brethrein 1583 Mill Mediæv. Plays 291.
Compeirit the said Johnne & producit declamationis on the said thesis in prois & vers as thaj beir in thame selffis with the quhilkis the brethir twik to advys 1601 Trial David Roy 3.
We submitt to your awin visdome quhidder we sall propone it in hypothesist or cheif or theis 1640 Baillie Canterb. Self-convict. 29.
The authour … avowes … that the these alleadged, and all the rest of his booke doeth perfectly agree with the English articles a1650 Row 311.
The bishops and sundrie ministers were awaiting on his majestie, who first heard notable disputations both concerning theologicall and philosophicall theses c1646 Craufurd Edinb. Univ. 11.
John Earle of Gowrie also both defended the theses and disputed upon them c1646 Craufurd Edinb. Univ. 22.
Admitting his disciples … to the degree of Maisters without particular examination, only sustaining of theses publikly upon the 28 of May 1648 Baillie III 63.
The generall these which he professed to maintaine, ‘That the supreame magistrate … may dispense with the execution of justice against shedders of blood [etc.]' 1657 Balfour Ann. II 70.
To losse his head at the crosse of Edinbrughe … for proposinge certane villanous and opprobrious theses

b. Theme, subject-matter (of a poem). a1605 Montg. Sonn. lxiv 11.
I war to wyt the bureit to bakbyte Or to indyt hir families defame … Fy! I refuse sik filthie these or theam

2. A written essay or spoken address on a given topic, as in 1 above; ? a sermon. 1618 Crim. Trials III 451.
All writtin with your awin hand, in Latine, ane propositioun or these, contening ten seuerall abhominable articles 1626 Moray Synod 8.
Thei ar ordaned to keip their meitinges in sommer ones euerie oulk and to give theses on thair commoun head that thei may haiff disputs thairon 1641–2 Misc. Spald. C. V 106.
For printing of the thessus of the college of the Broch, at the lourtione of the skolleris … quhilkis are dedicat to the magistrattis and counsell c1646 Craufurd Edinb. Univ. 48.
Mr. William Struthers … had used some disgraceful termes to philosophie, calling it the dishclout to divinitie. Mr. James Red taxed this expression in his publik theses, calling it, salsam et rigidam nimis 1653 Glasg. Univ. Mun. II 323.
[The new professor of Theology] should have ane publict prelectione upone the last verse of the 17 psalme … and emitt theologicall theses that … he might be installed in the said professione of theologie 1659 Perth Presb. in Dunkeld Presb. II 27.
Mr. David Nevay having goten out a commonheid De natura fidei justificantis long agoe … the presbiterie appoints him to give in his theses the next day of meiting 1666 Aberd. B. Rec. IV 232.
The counsell wnderstanding that the theses put out by the regent who did lauriat the scollaris of the colledge this yeir was dedicat to the provest [etc.] … ordaines the dean of gild to pay the printing of the said theses to the printer 1676 Inverness Presb. 67.
Mr. Robert Monroe [a candidate for the ministry] had his comon head De Justificatione and his theses, quhich he delivered formerlie, were disputed, as also he had his questionary tryalls [etc.] 1686 Lauder Notices Affairs II 754.
Burnet … having this last summer dedicat printed theses to the Duke of Gordon