Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Serious, adj. Also: sereows, cerious. [Late ME seryous (Prompt. Parv.), e.m.E. serious(e (1532), MF serieux (c1370 in Larousse), med. L. serios-, f. sērius grave, earnest, serious]. a. Of persons, their disposition or behaviour: Taking an earnest attitude, not superficial, trifling or light; having solidity of character. b. Of mental states: Earnest; sincere, heartfelt. —a. 1695 Wemyss Corr. 149.
The master is a French refugie, and is call'd a cerious honest man 1697 Inverness Kirk S. 55.
The persones appointed … were exhorted to be serious with her in setting furth the danger of her sin 1720 Rothesay Par. Rec. 355.
Her sin … being set home on her conscience and she seeming serious and penitent was removed —b. 1697 Fraser P. 147.
Ther lordships will take the premiss to ther sereows consideratione 1697 Penninghame Par. Rec. I 5.
Upon profession of serious repentance [he] is to be dismissed