A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1572-1657
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Delater, Delaiter, n. Also: -latter; dilater. [f. Delate v.1] = Delatour n.1(a) 1572-5 Diurnal of Occurrents 183.
The delaiteris … sall haue the third pairt of the personis guidis that committis the cryme 1600-1610 Melvill 325.
A nomber of witnesses is examined, Buriey, the delatter and accusar, being alwayes present 1644 Acts VI. 98/1.
The one half of which fyne shall pertain … to the persons delaters 1649 Lanark Presb. 76.
There are diverse delated and suspected persones in prison … Ionet Couts, the delater(b) 1618 Chron. Perth 79.
The Session … ordains … his dilaters to be warned [etc.] 1657 Balfour Ann. III. 412.
In eurey colledge Blare, … and Wood, hes ther emissaries and dilaters
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"Delater n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 15 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/delater>
