A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1558-1640
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Burthen(e, Burthine, n. Also: burthein. [e.m.E. burthen. Cf. Burdin n.] A burden. 1558-66 Knox II. 177.
The Estaittis of that Realme, upone quhom the burthen resteth a1578 Pitsc. I. 234/7.
Now I haue nothing bot dollour of the beiring of so heavie ane burthine 1601 Calderwood VI. 109.
I lay doun at your feete my commissioun, as the pyoner doeth his burthein 1627 Reg. Privy C. 2 Ser. II. 68.
To forbeare the laying of anie farther burtheins upon him till he be releeved of his present ingadgements 1640 Acts V. 310/1.
Ane lauchfull debt and burthene
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"Burthen n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/burthene_n>
