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

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First published 2002 (DOST Vol. XI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Unnecessar(e, adj. Also: unnecessair, onnecessar, -nessesar, unnecessarie. [e.m.E. vnnecessarie (1548); Necessar(e adj.] Of things or actions: Unnecessary, needless. = Onnecessary adj.(a) 1606 Birnie Kirk-b. x.
Why should they wilfully incurre vnnecessar profanation, by burying in kirks? 1614 Denmylne MSS in Highland P. III 166.
It was fund ȝat suche a generall concurrence … wes altogither neidles and vnnecessare 1622 Reg. Privy C. XIII 28.
The infective weade callit tabacco, whilk wes the occasioun of unnecessair and untymous spending of a grite deale of moneyis 1655 Nicoll Diary 171.
A lecture … at the ringing of the four hour bell quhich did much good … to the soull and body … the body withholdin from unnecessar bebbing, quhilk at that hour … wes in use and custome 1661 Aberd. Council Lett. IV 162.
To refund the unnecessar charges that they have put the toune to(b) 1590 Cal. Sc. P. X 268.
Quhais sufficienci and credit is at both our handis sic that it schould be onnessesar I schould fache your lordschip with longer letter 1628 Rec. Univ. Aberd. 284.
All preparatioun for sic banquettis ar altogether improfitable and onnecessar(c) 1612 James VI in Ellis Orig. Lett. 1 Ser. III 104.
To bidde a running man goe faster, quhiche is both unnecessarie and injuriouse

b. ellipt. Of persons: Describing those who need not be in the condition specified. 1653 Banff Ann. I 137.
Act anent thois that goes in landward in tyme of harvest and fies themselves … whairby the inhabitantis of this burgh ar burdingit with unnecessar personis not haveing peittis nor kell to leave on