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.
Upga(i)ster, Opgester, n. [ON *upgefster, cf. uppgjef a giving up, relinquishing. Cf. Upgaistrie,n.] In Shetland: One who transfers his or her property to others in return for lifelong support and maintenance. —(a) 1547–8 Shetland Doc. 58.
With consent … of my forsaid moder Katerine Androisdocthir, upgaster to me and my hisband 1603 Shetland Sheriff Ct. (ed.) 98.
The quhilk day James Sinclair in Norbuster compeiris in jugment and maid himselff upgaister to Robert Tulloch his guidsone and [his daughter] … to be honestlie interteneit be them in meit, clayth [etc.] … for the quhilk the said James landis, guidis and gere … salbe equalie devydit betwix the said Robert and Thomas [etc.] —(b) 1602 Hibbert Shetland Islands 128.
I am become lawfull opgester to the said William to be sustenit in meat and claith all the dayis of my lyfetyme
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"Upgaster n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 26 Apr 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/upgaister>
