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

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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
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Set, Sett, v. Also: sette, sat(t, sete, seit, seat(t, sate, sait, sit(t, syt. P.t. set, sat, sete, seit, sait, settit. P.p. set(t, sat(te, sete, seit, sayt, setten, -in, setit. [ME and e.m.E. settenn (Orm), sæten (Layamon), sett, sitt, seit(t (all Cursor M.), settyn, cettyn (both Prompt. Parv.), sete (1455), sitte(n (15th c.) seat(te (1584), sit (Shakespeare). P.t. sette (a1175), sett, sitt, seit (all Cursor M.), set (Manning), sat (c1420), sate (Lydgate); settede (Wyclif), settid (c1449), setted (Caxton). P.p. iset (c1175), sett (Orm), isat (Layamon), seit, sete (both Cursor M.), seet (Wyclif), sate (15th c.), setten (Caxton), setted (a1532), OE settan, MDu., MLG setten, ON setja; causative of Sit v.]

I. Causative forms of Sit v. to cause to sit, to seat, passing into, to cause to take place, to appoint, to arrange.

1. tr. To cause to sit, to seat (in, on a chair, etc.) passing into sense 18 below. Also fig.Some examples may rather belong in Sit v. 1. 1375 Barb. ii 150.
[He] raid to Scone for to be set In kingis stole and to be king a1400 Leg. S. i 151.
Thai … Ane cheare mad, and thar-in sete Sanct Petir a1400 Leg. S. iii 988.
The lord gert hyr be set ewene before hym at the mete; Syne the lawe in thar degre War to met set, as thai suld be a1400 Leg. S. vii 617. ?1438 Alex. i 3005.
On his sadill thai him set ?1438 Alex. ii 3713.
In silkin carpetis … Auld Cassamus … Him-self hes set the alphyis c1420 Wynt. vi 1170.
Fra that I as pape wes sete In sege [etc.] c1420 Wynt. viii 278.
A kyng … noucht oyntyd, bot symply set In till a set be sum persownys Off byschapys, [etc.] a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 1154.
He gart schir Gawyne vpga … And of that mighty na ma War set at the des a1500 Rauf C. 181.
Quhen thay war seruit and set to the suppar, Gyll and the gentill king … Syne on the tother syde sat the Coilȝear. Thus war thay marschellit a1500 Bk. Chess 1915. c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 132/51.
Sa far above him set at tabell That wont was for to muk the stabell 1533 Boece 60.
In the marbill chyare … was Ferichare sett 15.. Clar. iv 801.
The nobill king … begane the tabill, Befor him set Meliades … ; Into ane chyre abone him sat the queine; At the buird heid thay set the Earle Esture; Syne everilk lord and ladie in ordour Efter thair awin degreis war thay set 15.. Clar. iv 2407.
All to the kirke are went … Thir kingis thrie was sete … In regale seats, coverit … With cloathes of gold 15.. Clar. v 775.
King Clariodus … garrit him be broght And set him in ane honorabill place a1578 Pitsc. I 249/2.
Quhene the denner come to the paip and his cardinallis was pleissit and sett according to thair estait 1598 James VI Basil. Doron 154/2.
Honoure youre mother, sett Beersheba in a throne on youre richt hande

b. To cause (a person) to sit on a deliberative body. a1570-86 Dunb. in Maitl. F. 294/42.
Grit men for taking and oppressioun Ar sett full famous on the sessioun Quhair small takarris ar hingit hie

2. To cause a deliberative or judicial body to sit, in the sense of Sit v. 4., to convene (esp. a particular session of) such a body; to hold a parliament, court, etc.active 1440 Acts II 33/1.
At the justice … sett thare justice airis & hald thaim twis in the ȝere a1500 Henr. Fab. 2686.
Set me ane lauchfull court, I sall compeir c1475 Wall. i 275.
Thai … in Dunde set ane ayr 1493–4 Reg. Cupar A. I 244.
Grantand to … our balȝe full and playn power … oure courtis of the sadis landis to set, begyn, contynew 1503 Acts II 246/1.
The … immediate superior of that court … sall sett his court apon xv dais 1507–8 Reg. Privy S. I 233/2.
Gevand him power balȝe courtis … to set, begin, hald, afferme, and als oft as nede beis, thaim to continew c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus i 776.
To set ane court in leissum time & place 1559 Rec. Kinloss Mon. 150.
Baillie courts … to proclaim sett affix and hauld 1565–6 Reg. Privy C. I 433.
To set ane court of kyndnes upoun the ground of the saidis landis a1578 Pitsc. I 170 marg.
How the lordis sett ane conventioun amangist them selffis a1578 Pitsc. I 394/30.
He sett ane parliament at Edinburgh to be haldin the tent day of Juin 1622-6 Bisset I 47/3.
He sett ane conventioun of his nobillis … at Forfar(b) 1522–3 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 67.
The said Adam to seit ane curt upone xv dayis be holdin upone the groundpassive 1449 Acts II 38/2.
That a generall connsall be set at Perth the ferd day of the moneth of Mayi next 1456 Hay I 269/18.
All justice is sett with continuacioune of dais c1475 Wall. iv 11.
A gret consell was sett Into Glaskow quhar mony maistris mett 1500–1 Acta Conc. II 479.
Til produce the rolment of baith thair courtis set apone the landis of Petlevy 1503 Acts II 254/1.
Ther sall … be sett ane justice are for the discussing & ending of the said dume 1550 Treas. Acc. IX 430.
Advertesande his grace of the parliament that wes to be set the morne(b) 1514–15 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 29.
Ane curt to be seit be the balȝeis of xv day for his entrais to the landis

b. To gar or caus set (a deliberative or judicial body), to convene (such a body). Cf. Sit v. 4.The gar, caus seems to be tautological, set being causative in itself; this interpretation seems justified as against set being simply a variant form of sit, there being no examples of gar sit and quite a number of set, otherwise a rare variant. 1375 Barb. i 591.
The king a parlyament Gert set c1420 Wynt. viii 3187.
In till Wygtown he gert set A jwstry … . Till him syttand thare come a man And as in playnt he tauld hym [etc.] a1500 Prestis of Peblis 65.
This king gart set ane plane parliament 1560 Inchaffray Chart. 167.
With power to gar set and affirme courte or courtis 1565 Treas. Acc. XI 453.
To Johnie Bukhanie officer deput to the Shereff of Edinburght principale … to caus sett ane court of justiciarie in the toun of Edinburght

3. To cause a public or semi-public meeting of a more general sort to take place; to arrange, organise (a marriage, etc.); to hold (a market or fair).First quot. may, perhaps, rather belong in V. Cf. sense 32. 1477 Edinb. Chart. 140.
That the merkettis to be haldin in tyme tocum … apoun the merket dayis [etc.] … salbe haldin and set on this wise as eftir follows a1500 Seven S. 420.
He set … Ane gret iornay 1560 Rolland Seven S. 7300.
The mariage and day of the banket, The king him self he gart deuise and set 1560 Rolland Seven S. 9326.
The battel ȝe haue set, This day aucht dayis to fecht 1654 Stirling Ant. II 17.
That the brydell … did exceid the number of persons in the former act, … quharfoir those who sett the brydell … ware ordined till pay half a crowne the pice 1670 Salmon Borrowstounness 92.
Penny brydells made and sett within the foirsaid bounds 1672 Hawick Arch. Soc. (1913) 52/2.
[The Baron Bailie in 1672 was Thomas Rutherford Town Clerk of Jedburgh one of whose official duties was to] set the fairs [of Hawick, as representative of the Lord of the Barony. … The usual procedure was to first call the roll of inhabitants … a procession was then formed and the Baron Bailie proceeded to] set the fair [attended by his procurator-fiscal … and his tacksman]

4. To appoint or arrange the time and (or) place of a meeting, event, etc., freq. to set a (the) day. b. To set a tryst, to arrange or agree an appointment to meet.pres. 14.. Acts I 30/2.
Na the bailȝe may nocht … sett a langar day than xv dayis 1475 Cal. Doc. IV 408.
We have written to oure wardane … to sett the dais of Merche and meting on the bordouris 1497 Acta Conc. II 77.
That letters be writin to the schiref principale of Edinburgh … chargeing him that he set ane lauchfull day and warne thir partiis thairof 1524 Dumbarton B. Rec. App.ii 5.
The sadis xij personis suld chese new jugis and set ane new dau 1535 Stewart 15849.
Settand ane place quhair thai sould meit a1538 Abell 98b.
At thai suld neuir set tyme of batell to Ingland bot wex thaim at thare wantage 1560 Rolland Seven S. 7300 (see 3 above). 1562 Edinb. B. Rec. III 141.
That the dekynnis of craftis set ane peremptour day for chesing of thair dekynnisp.t. 1375 Barb. xvii 33.
He … set him tym to cum a nycht With leddrys and with gud men wicht Till the kow ȝet [etc.] 1529 Selkirk B. Ct. MS 139a.
The balȝeis set that same day xv dais to Johne of Laidlaw to bring in his preiff 1581 Sempill in Sat. P. xliii 178.
The Counsell did conuene and set ane day(b) 1375 Barb. iii 394.
Certane tyme till him he sete [: meite] Quhen he suld meite him(c) a1400 Leg. S. i 558.
A day he sat thame till Vp in hewine quhen he suld flep.p. 1375 Barb. xi 8.
Scottis-men had set a day To fecht c1420 Wynt. vii 3471.
In November the twelfft day set, At Roxburch weddyt Dame Margret 14.. Acts I *85/2.
Gif … throw hap the defendour deis within xiiij nycht betuix the perty set 1456 Hay I 249/19.
The soverane of Babilone had sett him day of bataill 1531 Bell. Boece II 48.
The x day efter was finaly set to Hengist and Vortigern … to intercommoun 1546 Lynd. Trag. Card. 99.
Off that metyng … So that in Ȝorck was sett boith tyme and place a1568 Scott ii 21.
The day wes sett, and fix[i]t wes the feild a1578 Pitsc. II 139/30.
The quhilk day and place was sett and appoyntit quhair they sould meit(b) c1420 Wynt. vi 2295.
Be crye the day is seteb. a1400 Leg. S. xviii 1160.
To the kirk he come but let, Quhare scho to hyme triste set c1475 Wall. vi 865.
In Ruglen kyrk the tryst than haiff thai set, A promes maid to meit Wallace a1598 Ferg. Prov. No. 267.
Fooles sets far trystes

c. To lay down a time limit. a1400 Leg. S. l 7.
Thane certane terme set he sone, Quhen that he wald this war done c1420 Wynt. iii Prol. 23.
The dayis sulde be set for terme A certane purpos for tyll afferme 1513 Doug. x viii 75.
Ane schort and onrecoverabill term is set Of lyfe, quhen all most neydlyngis pay that det 1622-6 Bisset II 257/16.
Gif ane maister … set ane … terme within the quhilk the merchand suld ladin

d. To appoint a person's lot or destiny. c1475 Wall. viii 691.
For Inglismen he settis no doym bot ded

e. To lay down, appoint or agree the determining features of a transaction or bargain.1602 Misc. Maitl. C. II 145 (see Cowp n.²).

f. To appoint something to be done. 1583 Perth B. Ct. 16 July.
Brefis … proclamit and sett tobe seruit this day and deulie execute and indorsat

5. a. To present, provide (an example). b. To put forward (an argument, explanation).a. 1375 Barb. iii 71.
He set ensample thus c1420 Wynt. viii 749.
The lawys … and custwmys usuale And the ensampillys befor set, … Makys for the Brows Robert And noucht for Jhon the Ballyollis partb. 14.. Burgh Laws c. 102 (A).
Gif he may set for hym certane resonis to sauf his distres thai salbe sufferit & gif he may nocht thai sal be raisyt the amerciamentis at the courtis

6. To place (a person) in an office, position, etc., to appoint or assign (a person) to a function or to carry out a task. Also transf. 1375 Barb. xi 167.
He set ledaris till ilk bataile 1375 Barb. xv 263.
The castell tuk he in his hand … & has set A gud wardane it for to get 14.. Burgh Laws c. 21 (A).
He say [sic; ? erron. for may] set for him his stewart … for to mak the atht 1456 Hay I 267/4.
As gif he may sett ane [champion] for him a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 651.
Set segis for thair saullis to syng 1552 Reg. Cupar A. II 104.
Powar … to sett tenentis and put out and in als aft as thai pleis 1558 Edinb. B. Rec. III 21.
Thair to declair how monye men euerye man will sustene for defence of this burgh … with certificatioun and thay failye to convene … that the counsale will extent and set euerye man according to thair knauledge 1596 Dalr. I 302/27.
This king diuydes the kingdome in baronies, ouer quhilkes he settis lordis and lardis 1618 Fraserburgh Kirk S. 81a (9 Dec.).
[She] hes set Jhone Reid cationer to performe the said promeis [of repentance] 1637 Dumbarton B. Rec. 53.
This plaice over the quhilk thou hast set ustransf. 1635 Dickson Wr. 206.
The conscience is set over the man by God as judge-depute

7. To let or lease out (property; (the collection of) revenues; the fruits or emoluments of property, industry, etc.; services of many kinds). Also fig.Freq. in collocation with lat (Lat v.¹ 6 a) in various phrases, as, to set and (to (for) ferme, etc.) lat.Also const. to set to (for) ferme, hyre, money, etc.; to set in few (ferme), steilboo, tak and assedation, etc.See these various terms for many further examples.(1) 14.. Acts I 326/2.
Gif the king will set gers be the tym of fogage … ilk beest sal pay viij d. 1459–60 Ayr B. Ct. 14 March.
That xii personis … sal set & dele the hale sandis tyl al fremen induellaris in the towne 1468–9 Ayr B. Ct. 16 Jan.
That na man sal set hous to na licht women 1508 Reg. Privy S. I 251/2.
With power to occupy thaim [sc. lands] with thair awne gudis or to set thaim in all or in parte to tenentis under thaim 1511 Antiq. Aberd. & B. III 106.
Gif euer your lordschipe thinkis to gett reddy monee or ony price for wittall … ye man sett it to a man wnder ane sovme that he may sell it to ane day and mak monee of it 1527 Wigtown B. Ct. 254b.
The commvnythe sal dispos & set thame to ony at vill gef mast thairfor 1539–40 Reg. Privy S. II 510/2.
Me … usufructuar of the personage of Roffen, havand regres and reservatioun of the frutis of the said personage to me, and to hie sett and rais the sammyn 1542 Sutherland Bk. III 97.
Sua that we … may frelie assidat, sett and dispone the samin to our awin vtilite 1575 Orkney Oppress. 7.
Compelling beneficit men to sett their benefices to him 1669 Kirkintilloch B. Ct. 16.
Iff any woman servant be out of honest service [etc.] … And ilke a man that setts housses … to such persones to be actit in fyve pounds Scots money 1678 Kirkintilloch B. Ct. 94.
No man sett no grasse for kye grasseing under twentie foure shilling Scots money(b) c1489 Liber Aberbr. II 263.
That the granitar sete na teyndis to na barounis nothir landit men without sikkir souerte of housbandemen 1519 Selkirk B. Ct. MS 70a.
Thomas Henderson constitut Jonet Hendersone his … wndowtit assignaye to the tenement … to seit and rais als oft as neid beis(c) 1527 Aberd. B. Rec. I 115.
He chargit … the nychtbours … that nayne of tham satt thair luggenis and husis to na maner of man [etc.] … and thairefter the luggenis and innis ma be sett to thamp.p. 13… Liber Scon Pref. xix.
Concesserunt has setit dimiserunt has letin 1457 Reg. Dunferm. 344. 1462 Peebles B. Rec. I 147.
That na commoun … be nother set na gewyn in perpetuale 1480 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 38.
The customes of Leith ar sett with all lawfull dewteis, after the tenour of the clerks buik 1485 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 51.
The customes and all vther rentis of the toun to be sett with all aventour and dangeris of deid and weir, ay payand the first half-quarter payment befoir hand 1494 Peebles B. Rec. I 195.
The vmast loft of the said Newark is set to Georg Dauidson 1494–6 Treas. Acc. I 217.
The said schip … sett to the said Johnne quhill Witsonday c1500 Rep. Hist. MSS Var. Coll. V 84.
Ye have set the quarter of your landis … to oure lovite … servitour, … and has tane his grasum tharefore 1504 Perth Guildry p. 469 (28 Nov.).
The prouest & baillies has set thair pynourschip & gait dichtein … for a ȝere to William Kingorn & Androv Storour 1511–12 (c 1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 136.
William Rynde … hes lotat and sett the qwerrell of Railstoun till Robert Cvnynghame quariour for all the dayis of his lyfe 1512 Reg. Cupar A. I 287.
The xij pairt of Cupargrange is set til Elizebeth Henerson, wmquhill spouse til Johne Ȝong … schou payand … as of befor, … and nocht maryand without our licens 1516 Stirlings of Keir 309.
To hafe set … oure landis … for … nyntene ȝeris 1520 Stirling B. Rec. I 4.
The stag and the ravenues of the fair was set to Duncan Smart 1522 Dunferm. B. Rec. I 206.
And thareftir witht ane consent of the communite [we] avisit and set ane akyr of land to ilk ane of the saidis personis abone writyn 1540 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. II 99.
Thair buithis salbe rowpit and set at Mertymes nixt 1556 Peebles B. Rec. I 228.
The counsale ordanis the Burroleyis to be vsit and set … and euery fre man within the burgh to put thair bestiall thairto quhill it be providet to be set 1591 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. I 267.
That na houses be set thame 1615 Denmylne MSS in Highland P. III 246.
None of there kyndlie possessionis shal be sett ouer there heades 1622-6 Bisset II 254/18.
Gif … ane burges hes hyred a house, … to ane man for certane ȝeiris … and … sellis the house … he that hes bot set the samin, is nocht obleist to keip the said … sett 1628 Dumfries Test. Ia 174.
Ane kow sett for the first calfe & milk pryce thairof xij lib. 1680 Musselburgh 55.
The fishings in the water and damnes to be sett, and all parties prohibited from fishing 1684 Sibbald Scot. Illustr. 33.
He having sett the south chamber to the young Lady R.(b) c1489 Liber Aberbr. II 264.
Ande that nathyng be sete to na barone nor landit man without my lordis awyis 1519 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 51.
This inquest … hes seit the profet of the samyn to James Bradfut … for iii yeris nixt to cum payand thairfoir yerlie xl s. to the commoun profetabsol. 1553–4 Old Dundee II 318.
Touching the outrigging of their ship, whairof John has ane aucht part; the bailies considering the apparent skaith betwix the parties assign … to John to … produce ane mariner … to sail for his part of the ship … or else … to setfig. 1630 Rutherford Christ & Doves (c1709) 26.
Set the house of your soul to God, and then for shame ye cannot win off him to cause him flit(2) 1392 Lennox Mun. 46. 1405 Maxwell Mem. I 145. 1423 Holyrood Chart. 127.
The saide Dene John has set and to ferme latin … the Canoun millis 1434–5 Reg. St. A. 423.
Has sett and to ferm lattin as in husbandry to the said Waltyr Monypenny … thair landis of Estirbalrymonth 1435 Cop. St. A. 129.
The said prioure … has sett and to ferm lattin … the tendschef of his paroche kirk 1472 Reg. Cupar A. I 164.
To hafe grantyt, set and for ferm lattyn ane quarter of our toun of Lytyl Perth to John Sperk for al the termys of his lyve 1474 Bk. Carlaverock II 436.
Tyll haff set ande to ferme latting, and be thir our present letteris settis ande in malynge lattis, … fowrty schillingworth of our lande 1475 Lennox Mun. 104.
To haff sett and to male and ferme lattyn … all and halle my landis of the Hangatschaw 1492–3 Cart. S. Nich. Aberd. II 338 (see Lat v.¹ 6). 1507–8 Reg. Privy S. I 239/1.
His grace settis and to mail lettis to the said reverend fader … the Manys of Dernway 1549 Reg. Cupar A. II 59.
Ws … to haif set and for maill and seruice latt [etc.] 1551 Reg. Cupar A. II 68.
[We] settis and for male in assedatioun lattis, … our landis of Nethir Campsye 1557 Reg. Privy S. V i 50/2.
Settand and for maill lattand to the said Walter Seytoun … all and haill the vicaraige … teyndis, fructis, rentis [etc.] 1571–2 Coll. Rebus Alban. 196.
Us … to have sett and in tak and assedatioun lattin [etc.] 1623 Aberd. B. Rec. II 382.
The … counsall settis and in assedatioun lattis to Eduard Raban … the tounes new foir hous 1631 Highland P. I 328.
Archibald … settis and in perpetuall few and heritage … lattis … the foirsaidis landis 1660 Old Ross-shire I 185.
The said … setis and for the fraught underwritten latis his said haill ship … to the said — 1646 Inverness Rec. II 192.
The Consell … settes and laittes to the said Marcus the said anchorage and dewes thairof(b) 1487–8 Reg. Episc. Aberd. I 320.
The said reuerend fadir … has seit and to male lattin … the saidis landis(3) 1381 Douglas Chart. 29 (see Ferme n. 1). c1420 Wynt. ii 369.
In husbandry for ferme … He set thai landys 1457 Peebles B. Rec. I 119.
The custwm was set to Thom Dawison and Dobi Spendluf to xiij mark and a half 1488 Lanark B. Rec. 1.
The furlottis set to Thom Bauld for xj merk; … the customs set … for a yer for xiij merkis x s. … the mekill buth … set … for xx^ti s. [etc.] 1531–2 Reg. Soltre 195.
The fische of the West Wemis … salbe set for xxvi li. xiii s. iiii d. 1561–2 Reg. Cupar A. I 356.
Rentall of the kirkis of Couper sett for money. The kirk of Bennethie quhilk extendit … to threscoir aucht chalderis vittuall … set in lyferentis for vj s. viij d. the boll 1600 Glasgow B. Rec. I 204.
The causualteis of the lynt, lyntseid and salt is sett for ane yeir … for the sovme of xlvj li. xiij s. iiij d. 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. i 47.
Debt may be aweand, be borrowing and lenning, or be buying and selling; or be reason of ane lenne, … location, and conduction (quhen ane thing is set for hyre and profite) a1699 Skene Agric. MS (ed.) 69.
When they sett the kys milk for silver they pay for a kowis milk in the year fyve punds a1699 Skene Agric. MS (ed.) 69. — 1581–4 Edinb. Univ. Chart. 146.
Ordains the chambers of the Colledge to be sett at fourty shilling per peice — a1568 Bann. MS 266b/32.
Quhen glas and gold allyk ar fundin deir And every lord settis land but ferme or male(4) 1482 Peebles B. Rec. I 191.
[The baillies and council] as set the common kylle in fewferme to Jhon Rychartson 1511 Antiq. Aberd. & B. III 106.
Ther is nocht ane servand in the Knokhall that aw seruice to your lordschipe sene tha ar fermouris and the toune sett in steilboo 1549 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. II 146.
[To] warne all and sundre … that sic ane land wes to be sett in few, and thay that wald bid maist thairfoir wald gett the samin 1561–2 Reg. Cupar A. I 356 (see (3) above). 1569 Canongate Ct. Bk. 13.
Johnne Oswald [etc.] … settis in tak and assedatioun to Johnne Broun notar … ane lugeing 1586 Reg. Cupar A. II 294.
The … fermes … being sett in feu-ferm and the teindis in lang takkis 1588 Glasgow B. Rec. I 121.
To latt furth and sett in few … commoun landis 1624 Argyll Rentals I.
Payed to the receaveris of his majesties rentis compleit payment of the few deuetie of his majesties propertie sett in few to my lord Earle of Argyll 1625 Acts V 178/1.
Those … who haif sett thair lands in few or long leases for a certane dewtie a1633 Hope Major Pract. I 50.
The lands wer ane part of the principalitie … and may not be sett in fewferme without consent of the prince a1633 Hope Major Pract. I 80.
That na … prelat shall … sett in tack … their patrimonie for longer space then 19 yeirs(5) 1614 Aberd. Council Lett. I 126.
George Strauchan sall resigne the landis … quhilk being done the toun … sall set back and sett to George Strauchan upoune the same conditiounes

b. To assign (a lease, tack, etc.) (to a person). 1496 Acta Conc. II 9.
The landis of Abirnethy pertenyng to the saidis personis be ressone of tak and assedacione set be the kingis hienes his commissionaris 1511 Exch. R. XIII 444 n.
Gif ony takkis or fewis be sett or maid … without consent of the said reverend fadir [etc.] 1522 Aberd. B. Rec. I 98.
That thair be furtht chosyne … foure personis … to sett or formail the said takis 1559 Antiq. Aberd. & B. II 237.
The said conuent … hes sett and lettin ane assedatioun to [etc.] c1560 Liber Dryburgh 325.
The minister persoun … hes sett bak takis of the saidis haill teyndis to ane mediat persoun 1561 Treas. Acc. XI 56.
Lettres … [dis]chargeing all kirkmen and kirkwemen to sett ony feuis, in recompensatioun of his wagis 1562 Dumfries B. Ct. 160b.
The rentell of the Gallow rig & Volfgill sett the xi of Februarij … for xiiij ss of entre siluer 1576 Waus Corr. 129.
Me loyrde of Cassillis tak of bailyerie … sett to my father 1576–7 Reg. Privy C. II 587.
Ane tak of the said pryorie set in assedatioun to umquhile Maister Johnne Spens 1584 Sempill Sat. P. xlv 967.
Foure hundreth merkis he gart him get him, For tackis of kirkis he hecht to set him c1630 Scot Narr. 29.
He had sett nineteine years tack of thirtie chalder of victuall of teind, for half a mark the boll 1676 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. IV 566.
The last nyne yeares tack sett to George Conqueror of the tounes common good being only of the milnes, fishes and inshes [of Perth]

c. To rent or lease to a person: Only with indirect object. Cf. quot. 1552 in sense 6. 1642 Sc. N. & Q. XII 59.
That nane of the towne lodge nor set hir or receawe hir in houshauld

d. To hire out (animals, etc.). 1520 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 60.
Ta oxin the quhilk he seit for meill to the said James 1572–3 Canongate Ct. Bk. 426.
Ane quhite hors set in hyre be the said Johnne to the said Randell 1589 Burntisland B. Ct. 5 April.
Ane decreit … anent ane hors sett in hyirgange … and none off thame be acceptit witnes … becaus thay thame seluis hes hors to sett for wadge and that none wtheris quha hes hors to sett be acceptit 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. i 52b.
He quha lattis or sets the thing for hyre, to the use of ane other man, sould deliver to him the samine thing, and he quha receaves it sould pay the hyre 1657 Galloway P. 28 April.
The erle have set to the said Johne tua oxxin and ane naige 1678 Edinb. B. Rec. X 342.
The magistrats are to discharge the owner of these horses to sett there horse farr or near for hyre 1702 Old Ross-shire I 174.
Oblidged me to sett my cowes for sex shillings each cuple

e. reflex. To hire (oneself) out. 1662 Philorth Baron Ct. 14 Oct.
He set himself with the said Alexander to be his servand for half ane yeir

f. transf. To raise money on. 1622 Pope's New-Year Gift.
All holie thinges they sette, and sell

8. To suit, befit; to be appropriate, fitting or proper. Freq. impers. Also reflex. = Sit v. 10. b. specif. Of clothes: To suit, become (a person). = Sit v. 10 b. c. transf. Of a person: To fit, suit (his clothes).pres. c1460 Thewis Wysmen 82.
Thar hawing … Settis thaim weill, in euir ilk thinge 1460 Hay Alex. 3472.
It settis best to ȝow To do [etc.] a1500 Henr. Fab. 2613.
It settis na seruand for to … clym so hie c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 196.
How it settis him so syde to sege of sic materis a1568 Scott iv 42.
It settis not madynis als To latt men lowis thair laice 1606 Rollock's Thess. 190.
It is ouer sore to a gentleman to doe that it settes him not 1581-1623 James VI Poems I 83/5.
Making the last lyne of the first verse to be the last lyne of euerie vther verse in that ballat, will set weill for loue materis 1638 Henderson Serm. 512.
It is a thing that sets a soldier very well, to stand fast and sure a1689 Cleland 41.
It sets them ill, shame on their kind a1689 Cleland 68.
Another trade sir, sets you betterreflex. a1508 Kennedy Flyt. 447 (B).
Ane pak of flaskynis fynance for to mak thé Thow sall ressaif in Danskyn of my tailȝe With De Profundiis sett thé and that felȝep.t. 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 474.
He spent that winter at home, demurr and melancholy, a temper that set him illp.p. a1500 Seven S. 285.
It war wele set That to ȝou sic a chance betid a1508 Kennedy Flyt. 376 (Ch. & M.).
It is wele sett that thou sik barat brace 1535 Stewart 19942.
Thai said, that tha mycht think ill sett, So mekle blude for him that thai had bled [etc.] 1535 Stewart 30436.
Baith schip and bote were dround … It wes weill set, for tha the tressone wrocht c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus ii 373.
Flane bellie flawcht on thé it war weill setb. pres. a1568 Bann. MS 228b/68.
Na weid will cum hir better Nor this garmond … Nor halff so weill will sett hir a1578 Pitsc. I 175/8.
The Earle of Angus … pullit the gold chinȝie frome his craige and said … ane raipe wald sett him better ?c1660 Bk. Pasquils 169.
Pluto's wassall … , Sanct Johnstones ryben sets him bestp.t. a1500 Henr. Garmont 40.
Scho woir nevir grene nor gray That set hir half so weill a1568 Bann. MS 231b/11.p.p. c1610 Melville Mem. 123.
The busking and clothing of the dames … and what contrey weid was best setten for gentilwemen to wairc. 1540 Lynd. Sat. 919.
Wes never man set sa weill his clais

II. 9. intr., tr. a. Of the sun: To go down, to set.a1500 Peblis to Play 251 (see Schaft n.¹ 6). 1635 Boharm Kirk S. 27 Oct.
She caused yoke her horse a littell after the sun sett

b. Of a season: To come to an end. a1500 Lanc. 2.
The soft morow ande the lustee Aperill, The wynter set, the stormys in exill

III. To put or cause to be in a particular place.

10. tr. a. To found, build (a town, castle, etc.); to erect, put in position (a wall, etc.). Also, once, with non-personal subject.(1) c1400 Troy-bk. ii 1563.
A fair playne quhar he thocht … a towne to set c1420 Wynt. v 62.
That tempyll set And fowndyd in till [the] honowre Off all thai mawmentys 1460 Hay Alex. 2727.
Ane gret castell … sett vpoun ane roche 1513 Doug. iii i 36.
Begouth I first set wallis of a cite Althocht my foundment was mysfortunat 1513 Doug. iii viii 51.
The strang tempill … Set in the castell apon ane hillis hycht 1533 Boece 11b.
How Agricola sett ane brige apoun Tay 1572 Buch. Detect. (1727) 17.
Being set in ane law plaice and a verray marische 1598 Cart. S. Giles cxiii.
That the parpell wall … be tayne doun and sett eister mair(2) 1586 Cart. S. Nich. Aberd. II 388.
For rydling and myxin the lym that sett the provest yll

b. To erect, set up, put in place (a banner, scaffolding, etc., also a stairway (cf. 70 a below)). c1420 Wynt. ix 3194.
He bad … Set his bannere c1450-2 Howlat 372 (A).
He bure a lyon … Of gowlis sygnet & set to schawe in assay Our souerane … his armes to knawe 1467 Reg. Dunferm. 359.
As for the nettis of the Calate sall set thar stavis and lend abown the thre stanis 1477 Edinb. Chart. 141.
And sic like gudis that suld be weyit to be vsit at the Ouer Bow and a trone set thare 1501 Treas. Acc. II 84.
To George Campbel, gardiner in Strivelin for ij^cxl stakis set about the loch in Strivelin, lvj s. 1535 Stewart 12775 (see Sign(e n. 4 b). 1547 Reg. Privy C. I 73 (see Bale n.² 1). 1560 Rolland Seven S. 4953.
In the middis of that samin towre … Ane greit image he set to all mannis sicht 1570 Aberd. B. Rec. II 3.
The samen [pier] is biggit upoune the … brander of aik sett and infixit obefoir 1574 Glasgow B. Rec. I 7.
Thomas Craig to be callit for removyng of the gallows furth of the loyne sett be him at his awin hand 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 330.
Handsenȝie of Scotland … wes set on the castell heid of Edinburgh 1598 Edinb. Masons MS 2b.
That all maisteris … of warkis … sie thair skaffellis and futegangis surelie sett & placeit 1603 Edinb. B. Rec. V 324.
That na staynes aucht to be infixet or sett at ony graiffes in the buriall yaird 1616–17 M. Works Acc. (ed.) II 443.
A stare to be sett of timber to the roomes abone the coach house a1651 Calderwood III 459.
There he saw the crafts' standards and pinsells sett 1652 Peebles B. Rec. II 192.
To Stephin Grive [etc.] … quhen they lifted up the stipell bell to set her rycht(b) 1582 Edinb. D. Guild Acc. 122.
xvj stanes … to sait the pelleris on

c. specif. To erect boundary stones or markers; to mark or establish a boundary. Also fig. 1456 Liber Aberbr. II 89.
As the proppis ar sett fra the est to the west apon the northe syde 1488–9 Reg. Paisley 407.
As the marchez and merkis ar set be us of the new, and the ald dike to be remufit and set as the new marchez proportis 1499 Antiq. Aberd. & B. II 430.
Fra it to the Crawcarne as we sal gar set the stanis on the heid of the hillokis 1499 Dunferm. B. Rec. I 101.
As it at was linit and the lyneyne stabes set betuix thame 1540 Reg. Great S. III 488/2.
Slak, … discendand as the proppis ar set to Fadiswell 1565 Curle Coll. MS (Reg. H.).
Oder to sett merches, or put … mawarris thairto and part it be coill as plesis thame 1569 Crail B. Ct. 17 April.
The jugis present … decernis the merches of the Rylland bayth ower and nether to stand perpetually as thay wer sett of befoir 1596 (1597) Reg. Great S. 194/1.
Sua passand eist … be certane stainis presentlie set and infixt be the said parties 1603–4 Ayr B. Acc. 220.
[For] carpoillis to sett merches [between the sands and the hills, 10 s.] 1674 Edinb. B. Rec. X 169.
That march stones when necessity requyres be sett for preventeing of debate … betwixt the hospitall and there nighbour heritorsfig. 1699 Forrester Bishops Claim iii 6.
No church under heaven hath authority to lift up the march-stones, which God hath set

d. Of God: To establish, create (everything). Cf. 16 a below and Sevin n. B b. a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 1045.
I swere be suthfast God, that settis all on sevin!

11. To plant (seedlings, trees, etc.). Also fig. b. intr. ? Of a plant: To ‘take’, to begin to grow. Only proverb. 14.. Burgh Laws c. 104 (A).
Of thing that ma be ordanit in na testament … All thingis that ar biggit & set in erde sal stand still 1433 Liber Coll. Glasg. 167.
With a yard for to set cale in a1500 Henr. Fab. 1765 (Bann.).
All growis nocht that in the ground is sett 1501 Treas. Acc. II 82.
Item … for iiij^c thornis to set in Strivelin 1501 Treas. Acc. II 83.
For xvj pere treis send to Strivelin to set, xl s. 1501 Treas. Acc. II 83.
To by sauchis and to set thaim, iiij Franch crounis 1502 Treas. Acc. II 144.
To ane man brocht rosmary fra Bothuile to Strivelin for to set 1566–7 Spottiswoode Misc. I 358.
Chargeand him … to plant and sett treis neidfull within the saidis peillis, for decoiring thairof 1574–5 Elgin Rec. I 150.
Thomas Vmfray wes decernit to mak and set als sufficient willing treis in maner of ane hege 1613 Glasgow B. Rec. I 336.
The innirgang of the treis grawand in the Hie Kirk yaird to be drawin … and sett in the Grein 1679 Kirkcudbr. Sheriff Ct. Deeds II 79.
[To] sett kaill, [make] muir burne [etc.]absol. a1605 Montg. Misc. P. xxxi 17.
I sau, I sett—no flour nor fruit I find 1699 Belhaven Rudiments 27.
According to the old maxime, set wate and sow dryfig. c1500-c1512 Dunb. Flyt. 108.
Sic eloquence as thay in Erschry use In sic is sett thy thraward appetyteb. a1628 Carmichael Prov. No. 1708.
Ye bread of Patrik Consteins wyne that never setts

12. tr. To put (something) in, on, to, at, etc. a place or position. Also fig.Also, once, with omission of the preposition and once, without construction.Also in various special uses: To set plucht in (ground), = to plough; to set huke in (corn), to set corne in (sekil), = to cut (grain); to set to the door, to dismiss, reject.(1) active a1400 Leg. S. xxvi 1073.
One the altere he it set a1400 Leg. S. xv 36.
Thare wes corne mekil Bot few war to set it in sekil a1400 Leg. S. xl 94.
Gyf he in sic corne cuth set huke a1400 Leg. S. xl 132.
Trawalit he … In Goddis ȝard to set plucht To schau his seiyde [etc.] c1400 Troy-bk. i 144.
Wpone hys land We sall sett ankeres a1500 Seven S. 83.
In myddis of the chalmer … The barnis bed thai haf set c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 118/113.
Quatuor lagenas … Within the graif to set sic thing 1579 Black Bk. Taymouth 144.
God set his bow in the air a1605 Montg. Mindes Mel. xix 17.
There he a throne Set for the sunne a1646 Wedderburn Voc. (1709) 15.
Pala, the peel to set in or take bread out of the oven 1656 S. Leith Rec. 105.
To sett it [sc. wine] in the Sessione in tym that it may setlefig. 1685-8 Renwick Serm. 26.
O! say ye, I find a faculty of prayer, I want not words enough, and get them bravely set upon the pinspassive 1375 Barb. xiii 652* (C).
Twa contraris … Set agane othir on a quhele; Quhen ane is hye, the tothir is law ?1438 Alex. i 1173.
In fewter set his stalwart spere c1420 Wynt. i 776.
The teth … ar set in chestyr thryn c1550-c1580 Art of Music 17.
Noittis ar imperfitit communely be pausis (that is to say) quhen befoir or beeftir perfyt noittis pausis of les kynd ar set in place 1593 Lennox Mun. 463.
Counterfaitt pasimentis of gold, … sett vpoun our clething 1607 Glasgow B. Rec. I 263.
Victuell … set in and keipit in killis, barnis or houssis 1628–9 Dumbarton Common Gd. Acc. 59.
To inhibit ony dirt to be set on the calsey 1646-54 J. Hope Diary (1958) 157.
A copper panne sett upon a lent fyre a1658 Durham Comm. Rev. 115.
Sometimes a light may be set in a corner, … it ought to be … set on the candlestick(b) 1553 Crail B. Ct. 31 July.
That the pate stannis … be sayt apon the meyd gawyll(2) 1375 Barb. ix 414.
Thar leddrys to the wall thai set ?1438 Alex. ii 487.
Clarus … set his battreis to our wallis c1400 Troy-bk. i 176.
It nedis ȝe sete ȝour schype to flud a1500 Seven S. 1386.
His cloke tuke of … Syne set his chyar to the fyre a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 484.
Seuyne score of scheildis thai schew at ane sicht Ane helme set to ilk scheild 1560 Rolland Seven S. 3306.
Ane lang ledder thay gat, And to the rufe of the hous thay it sat c1650 Spalding II 233.
Thir sex rebellis schippis … settis thair bred syde to hir lodging, batteris the houss [etc.]fig. 1660 Wodrow Hist. (1828) I 33.
As for the Assembly's Confession, I am afraid they will yield it to be set to the door(3) c1420 Wynt. i 1577.
He [sc. Saturn] wes howth vs sete To be rygnand a planete 14.. Acts I 387/2.
The nail … sal be set als ner the balk as it may be set gudly 1456 Hay II 143/25.
A bathis or a stovis … suld be lawe sett nere a water of fresch water 1531 Bell. Boece I xliii.
Peple settis oftimes cawdrounis … at the cheik of the lin 1542 Treas. Acc. VIII 143.
To Andres Mansioun, carvour, for the fygour of ane lyoune set abone the croun 1590 Crim. Trials I ii 199.
The … pictur of buttir … wes set at the wall-syd(4) c1475 Wall. xi 771.
Sanct Jhonstoun hawyn thair ankyr haiff thai set(5) absol. c1400 Troy-bk. i 534.
God … That all thing has … wroutht & done, As of the planetes … And set thame be sertan asyse, And stabillis thame at bidding

b. Where the object of the preposition is a person or part of a person or an animal. Also proverb. and fig.Also to set (something) to the customers, to present (it) to an authority (for some reason).(1) 1375 Barb. x 728.
He till his bak had set a tre a1400 Leg. S. iv 343.
Thai the croice before tham set a1400 Leg. S. xl 1138.
In my mouth the heft thou set 1460 Hay Alex. 2471.
The croun vpoun his hede thai sett a1500 Bk. Chess 1807.
A mase he has in his left hand in set 1513 Doug. ii ix 8.
Hys hawbryk … Set on his schulderis 1513 Doug. iv v 79.
Abufe his hed … Set lyke a mytir the Troiane foly hat 1541 Haddington B. Rec. (Robb) 2 March.
To banys Bege Cok the toune, and ever scho be apprehendit in it agane, to set the keye on hir cheik 1618 M. Works Acc. (ed.) II 127.
For 56 schoes sett on the cart horssis 1620 Perth Kirk S. MS 13 June.
His faultis wreittin in great letteris and sett wpone his breist(b) 1582 Edinb. D. Guild Acc. 125.
Ane quarter pound prikett of wax to sait beffoir the prowest in the kirk ij s. vj d.proverb. 1596 Melvill 375.
And sett our peirles befor sic swyne 1621-40 Melville Commonpl. Bk. 6.
He settis the plouche befoir the oxinfig. a1568 Bann. MS 257b/67.
The thing that ȝe sett at ȝour heill I will no moir sett at my harte(2) 1607 Glasgow B. Rec. I 263.
Vnground malt, aitis [etc.] … to mak in malt and sett ovir agane to the customeris of the towne

c. specif. To place or serve (food) amang, in, befor (a person), on a table; also without construction. Cf. 32 below. ?1438 Alex. ii 5909.
The poun … he … brak … And set it amang the knychtis c1420 Wynt. v 3918.
Scho sparyd noucht thare fete to weysche Na yhit to sete thame fysche or fleysche a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 214.
It war full teir for to tell … The seir courssis that war set in that semblee a1500 Bk. Chess 1005.
Cope and dische … war befor him set a1676 Guthry Mem. (1747) 290.
While the meat was setting on the table, his lordship was alarmed [etc.]absol. a1500 Seven S. 1515.
Quhen all the mesis ar seruit & set

d. Of a place: To be located in a particular (geographical) position. c1420 Wynt. i 869.
For it wes set betwene tha twa [sc. The Tigris and the Eufrates] It hat Mesopotamya c1420 Wynt. iv 1295.
[Of] Chawmpayne all the land [Was] … And esyly set to the se Wytht hawynnys gud 1570 Sat. P. xxiv 85.
Ane secreit place weill set of him

13. To put (eggs) under a hen to be hatched. a1500 Colk. Sow iii 92.
His henwyfe … to set thame [sc. eggs] scho fure

14. a. To put a mark or token on (upon), to (for the purpose of identification). Also transf. Cf. sense14 b below c1475 Wall. vii 408.
Fyne cawk eneuch, that his der nece mycht set On ilk ȝeit, quhar Sotheroun wer c1475 Wall. xi 911.
He gert … be … Set on his clok a takyn … that suld his condet be 1532 Aberd. B. Rec. I 146.
The saidis maisteris of wark hes subscriuit this writ with thair handis, and the said maisonis hes sett thair markis to 1552 Haddington B. Rec. (Robb) 14 Oct.
That every baxstar haif ane mark to sett, and to be sett upon his breidtransf. a1568 Bann. MS 107b/48.
Vpoun thair fais he settis his mark A blud reid nois besyd thair e

b. To attach or otherwise apply a seal (un)to a document; to impress (a document) with a seal. Also fig. See Sele n.² 3, Signet n.¹ 1 (1).

c. To attach significance to (in). 1533 Boece 199.
The cognissance of the emprioure was sett in his mantill, rob of purpure or cote armoure

15. To land a blow (on a target). ?1438 Alex. i 2072.
Mony ane straik was sadly set And mony ane haubrek thirlit was ?1438 Alex. i 3012.
Wait ȝe weill how Gaudifere Can stoutly set ane straik with spere ?1438 Alex. ii 4316.
The battellis on baith the sydes met Quhare mony ane rummill rude was set c1475 Wall. vi 750.
Robert Boid … a sad straik on him set Awkwart the crag

16. a. In fig. context. To put down as a stake, to wager; also, to set (money, chance) (up)on (sex and) sevin (Sevin n. B b), to wager, to risk, to behave recklessly. c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 189/27.
Ȝung airis That his auld thrift settis on ane es 1581-1623 James VI Poems I 213/109.
On Fortounis … quheill the uictorie to sett

b. To set cautioun (rarely, suretie, once, ane gadge), to put down, deposit (a pledge, security). 1580 Aberd. B. Rec. in Mill Mediæv. Plays 156.
And sall set cautioun of burgessis induellaris of Aberdeen that the scholar presentit sall obey 1598–9 Misc. Spald. C. V 70 (see Cautioun n. 1). 1599 Misc. Spald. C. II 144.
To remane in vard ay and quhill he set cautioun 1622-6 Bisset II 81/8.
That everie executour dative, set and find to the saidis commisseris sufficient cautioun and souerties 1622-6 Bisset II 244/1.
The merchandis aucht … to set ane gadge for money or evir the gudis be loissed out of the schip 1629 Elgin Rec. II 212.
Patrik Wysman set cautioun that he sall go to the chantor to the parosche of Alves and ther satisfie for his fault 1635 Elgin Rec. II 229.
Duncan Farquhar … set Alexander Phimester cautioun for the woman performing, payne 5 lib. 1636 Cochran-Patrick Coinage II 49.
Nicolas Briot … refuised to offer or sett anie suche suretie 1671 Banff Ann. II 48.
The session thought fitt that he should be incarcerate until he should sett suretie als oft as he was called 1682 Cullen Kirk S. 7 May.
Compeared Elspet Reid and promised to set caution ageanest the nixt Sess. for hir penalty

c. To set (a person) a sum of money, to make a payment (perhaps in a particular fashion) (to a person). Only in Halyb. 1496 Halyb. 99.
In Julij anno affor writyne set Peter Rekyer to pay the Dene in Brugis. Som, 44 li. 10 s. 1496 Halyb. 99.
Item in August anno affor writin he set me in the Vissell, 40 li. 1496 Halyb. 127.
Item 4 in March Peter Rekeir set me in the chans, 20 li. … the 17 day of the samyn moneth Peter set me in the chans, 20 li.

17. To put down in writing. c1420 Wynt. ii 1066.
Gyff I dyde as othir wrate In this plas I sulde set thaire date c1420 Wynt. v 4157.
Nestoris … Off oure Lady this deffame He set, and sayd that [etc.] c1520-c1535 Nisbet II 325.
Johnne … for humilnes in his epistile … set nocht his name before 1563 Misc. Maitl. C. III 311.
In the caus of diuorce proponit be Margret aganis Jhon … according to the desyr set literatorialie the vij day of Julij instant

b. To put (as a symbol) for. c1420 Wynt. iv 2344.
C, that lettyre capytalle; Is set in nowmerys … For ane hundyre

18. To put, place or position (a person or animal) in (on, etc.) a place. Also reflex. (once, of the moon). Also passive (once, without agent stated or implied).Cf. 1 above with which there is some overlap.active a1400 Leg. S. xxvii 908.
Men brocht a man … & seit hym Sanct Machor beforne c1420 Wynt. vii 848.
Abbays he [founddit] … And set in thame relygyws men 1456 Hay I 194/27.
The tothir has laiser … to set his substitute with the tane and himself with the tothir c1475 Wall. ii 153.
Thai gert set him in till a presoune ?a1500 Obsecro 66.
In hevin, Lady, quhen he thé set c1520-c1535 Nisbet Matth. iv 5.
The feend … settit him on the pynacile of the tempile c1550 Lynd. Meldrum 1412.
Gif I may get him, In till ane presoun I sall set him 1616 Fraserburgh Kirk S. 74a (8 Aug.).
Accuisit for non adherence to his wyff anseris that hous to set hir in for the present he haid nane — c1420 Wynt. iii 239.
And knyt tyll all thare [sc. foxes'] taylis … Ane hat cole … And set thame in thare flattis … growand grenereflex. or quasi-reflex. c1400 Troy-bk. i 506.
Quhen the moon be-twen our sight Has sett hym and the sonne … It lettis ws thane of fare sone To se the body c1475 Wall. iv 144.
Our leidar is gayne, Amang our fays he is set him allayne 1649 Elgin Rec. II 434.
The master sall sett himself in dask — a1508 Kennedy Pass. Christ 1628.
He ascendit … To set his manheid on his Faderis rycht handpassive c1475 Wall. ix 1346.
Wallace socht quhar his wncle suld be In a dyrk cawe he was set … and he in yrnys strang 1498 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 73.
He is to be set on the goif 1558-66 Knox II 476.
He was set upon the market-crosse for the space of three or four hours 1581 Hamilton Facile Tr. in Cath. Tr. (STS) 235/20.
Thair belman Henslie beand set at the markat croce in the chokis a1603 Anc. Prophecies 20.
A crowned king … Under the baner shal be set 1620 Perth Kirk S. MS 13 June.
Alexander Wilsoun … to … be sett wpone the keik stule in the jogis 1632 Lithgow Trav. x 463.
At last being loosed from these pinnacles of paine, I was hand-fast set on the floore — a1500 Bk. Chess 1485.
In Arabe quhen this Egipt was set

b. With a part of a person, once, of Venus, as object. Also absol. or ellipt. Also fig.Also to sett one's hand unto, = to sign.(1) active 1375 Barb. vii 210.
His fute he set Apon his man weill hewyly c1450-2 Howlat 988 (A).
God … Set our sawlis in sicht of sanctis a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 12.
And fair Venus … Vprais and set vnto the west … Hir goldin face c1475 Wall. ix 509.
Tyll a wall thai haiff thar bakkis set 1513 Doug. x v 172.
As thai first set fut apon the sand 1596 Dalr. I 25/7.
All this tyme settis na man his heid out of the housfig. 1650 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 655.
Set your shoulder under the glory of Jesus that is misprised in Scotlandabsol. or ellipt. a1578 Pitsc. I 4/18.
Bot this ignorance now cuming in plaice And obliuioun had set his futeproverb. a1598 Ferg. Prov. MS No. 627.
He is als good a man as sets his croun to the liftpassive 1570 Sat. P. xxii 52.
The pyet pyke thy ene on gallous set 1584 Gowrie P. 43.
His head therafter set to his shulders, he was buryedabsol. 1566-70 Buch. Comm. on Virgil Æn.i 127.
Extulit unda, sett up abone the watter [L. caput extulit unda](2) 1642 Facs. Nat. MSS III xcv.
In witness wherof wee haue heerunto sett our hand and seall

IV. To put into, cause to take up or be in a position, relation, situation, state, etc. other than the purely local.Some merging occurs with III where the description of a particular physical location passes into that of a position relative to another, e.g., with certain usages of adjectives, such as, open, high, etc.

19. a. To place or put (a person, thing, etc.) in ((in)to) or on the situation, position, circumstance or state described in the prep. phr. Also, in passive, to be in the situation, etc., without any sense of prior causality. Also, specif., to set a person upon the pannel. See Pannel(l n.³ 1 (1). b. Const. fra: To exclude (a person) from the situation described. c. To set (persons, etc.) by the earis, to confound, confuse or bring to conflict.a. active (1) 1375 Barb. ix 615.
Quhen thai had thyrlyt thaim hastily Than schyr Eduuardis cumpany Set stoutly in the heid agayne 1375 Barb. x 259.
Settand in pes all the countre ?1438 Alex. i 247.
Ȝe se in quhat affray The folks of Gadris hes vs set ?1438 Alex. i 2274.
Gif ȝon king leifis ocht lang He sall me set in mekill thrang c1400 Troy-bk. ii 2686.
Fortoune, that in hi happynes Settis seir men c1450-2 Howlat 466 (A).
Now God … Set his saull in solace a1500 Lanc. 1341.
He maid thé so, and set in hie honour 1567 G. Ball. 159.
The abhominatioun of desolatioun Thow settis in the haly place 1567 G. Ball. 159. a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 725 (L).
Will flatterrit him quhan first he flew, And sett him in ane low 1596 Dalr. II 36/35.
Thair father … bosted to sett another in his place 1681 Kirkcudbr. Test. (Reg. H.) 27 June.
I being of … sound judgement … thinks fitt to set my hous in order as followethreflex. 1375 Barb. ix 407.
Quhen sic a knycht … Into sic perell has him set To wyn a wrechyt hamillet(2) intr. for reflex. 1456 Hay I 264/29.
Suppos he war sa fule hardy that he wald sett on aventure(3) a1400 Leg. S. xviii 316.
It is dingnite verray That has set thé to sik assay 1678 Red Bk. Menteith I 418.
I am leader for one horse within the parish of Aberfoill and although I gott never my localitie for the horse … yet … I still sett my horse to the randivouze daypassive (1) 1375 Barb. iii 264.
Giff that thaim war set in chos To dey or to leyff cowartly 1375 Barb. vii 425 (see Pres n. 2 (2) for further examples).
He sall be set in mekill pres 1375 Barb. ix 512.
He wes set In-to the hycht off chewalry ?1438 Alex. i 2056.
The folk of Grece into great thrang War set c1420 Wynt. Prol. 80.
I than, set in lyk assay, Wylfull is my det to pay c1420 Wynt. ii 206.
Esaw, … For hungyr that he wes in sete, … gawe wpe … hys herytage a1500 Henr. Fab. 657 (Bann.).
Our lyfe is sett ilk nycht in avinture c1475 Wall. xi 1116.
With sorow sone thow mon bene set in feyr a1500 Colk. Sow ii 137.
Scho was weill sett in eild a1500 Bk. Chess 379.
Am I nocht set to fer in sic misdeid a1568 Scott xv 5.
Sett in hie curaige(2) 1375 Barb. xvi 612 (C).
Sum war knyt in gud aray And sum war set to the forray(3) ?1438 Alex. i 2470.
The furriouris that day War oft set on hard assayb. c1460 Consail Vys Man 384.
Opin tung has na traistinge; Bere thow wytnes but somondynge Thow may be set fra wytnesingec. 1558-66 Knox I 111.
He begane to practise how that such as he feared … should be sett by the earis one against ane other 1572 Buch. Detect. (1727) 4 (see 22 a (3)). 1584 Sempill Sat. P. xlv 495.
Amonges the countrie men he mackis With feinȝeit seillis and antideatis … Setting the countrie be the earis

20. With adjective complement: To put in or bring to the state or situation described by the adjective.Contempl. Sinn. quot. may belong in 1 above in the sense ‘to cause to sit in sense 1 b of Sit v.¹ a1500 Sir Eger 1824.
The door unclosed, wide open set a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 63 (Asl.).
O strang tirrand … , Just men oppressand and schrewis settand [Arund. sitand, Harl. sittand] hie 1611 J. Melvill in McCrie Melville 445 (see Robene n.²).
To … sett ane keasment oppen wyd 1640 Lithgow Poet. Remains 245.
When he thats kept in chains was now set free 1671 Bk. Pasquils 251.
From the Highlands set lowse on our countrie boors, Libera nos

21. passive Of a quality, etc.: To be placed, exist, be present or established in a person or place. ?1438 Alex. ii 8254.
Laute And he honour is set in thé a1500 Bk. Chess 76.
Ane richt evill falt was in that tyrand set 1567 G. Ball. 108.
Thy gyrth is set in sicker place For he sall saif thé 1567 G. Ball. 124.
Thy mercy is set in sicker place

22. active and passive With various adverbial expressions: To put or cause to be in the (lit. or, freq., fig.) position described in or indicated by the adverbial expression.a. Variously const. b. To set on fute (end), to place upright. c. To set on side, aside, apairt, to discount, set aside, disregard; also, lit., to put aside, to separate. d. To set (something) euill (wer) or weill, to put (it) to bad or good use. Chiefly in Alex. (usu. tr. F. employer). e. To be weill set to do (something), to be advantageously placed. f. To be wele (euil) set unto (against), be well- (ill-) intentioned in regard to another. g. To set on hicht. See Hicht n.¹ 9 b.For further examples see also Aside adv., Fredom(e n. 3, Liberte(e n. 1 b.a. (1) c1475 Wall. vi 58.
Fortoune him schawit hyr fygowrt doubill face, Feyll sys or than he had beyne set abuff 1558-66 Knox II 476.
The brethren … carried him to the market-crosse, where they set him on high a1610 Sempill Ballatis 247/24.
And quhat he knew he quyte foreȝet's: feir setts his mynde afloucht 1635 Dickson Wr. 67.
When all their enemies come about them like bees, … what wonder if ye be set aback? 1657 Balfour Ann. II 2.
The trettey of the vnione of both kingdomes was sett a footte by his maiestie this ȝeire 1674 Soc. Ant. XXX 19.
The said Coyle setts a fostering … his second laull sone(2) 1566 Argyll Fam. Lett. 5. 1570 Sat. P. x 205.
He sat hir clene at fredome 1558-66 Knox I 233.
The gentilmen that remaned in preasonis war … sett at libertie a1578 Pitsc. I 51/31.
Quhill all iniwrieis war sett at rest and miessit 1596 Dalr. I 186/31.
Carancie … the king of the Scottis with the king of the Pechtes sett at ane, and maid thame fyne freindes(3) a1500 Sir Eger 1513.
The horse together have they set They missed not but ever met 1572 Buch. Detect. (1727) 4.
Scho left na meane vnassayit to set thame togidder be the eirisb. c1420 Wynt. vi 1394.
Gyff he on fwte mycht have bene sete 1535 Stewart 2930.
Vpoun the graif of euerilk nobill man … Ane greit lang stone [he] gart set on end vprycht 1663 Peebles B. Rec. II 204.
Item, when the tron was set on foot, a quarter a loaff, 5 s.c. (1) a1500 Henr. Fab. 1910.
The sin ryipis and schame is set on syde c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus iv 117.
Beseikand hir for to be gracious And take the best and set on syde all euill 1566 Reg. Privy C. I 490.
All … feid, favour, or affectioun set asyde a1578 Pitsc. I 34/22.
All quarrellis … betuix the chancelar and him to be sett assyde a1578 Pitsc. I 36/26.
Lat all iniurieis be sett assyde a1578 Pitsc. I 139/2.
Lat all debatis, stryf and battellis be set assyde a1585 Maitl. Q. 248/34.
In perrells all to play my pairt & dainger set asyd 1599 Wemyss Corr. 36.
That ye faill nocht (all excuissis set apairt) to [etc.](2) 1635 Reg. Privy C. 2 Ser. 126.
That … they be closed up and sett apart in loodges to abide thair tryell a1650 Row 159. a1651 Calderwood V 433.
Which … made the tithes … heretable to them … and a portioun to the king sett aside in everie parish 1691 Pittenweem Ann. 100.
Item, sett apairt for upholding the harbour, £6 1736 Stirling B. Rec. II 236.
[A field] keept and sett apart for grassing the milk cowsd. ?1438 Alex. i 1916.
He had set euill [F. Mal auroit emploié] and wickedly His meat, his drink [etc.] ?1438 Alex. i 3070.
Gavdifir hes this encountering Set woundir weill ?1438 Alex. ii 5616.
His larges is euill set ?1438 Alex. i 2806. c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 176.
Wes never sugeorne wer sete. 1375 Barb. xvi 314 (C).
He wes weill set … To conquest the land all halelyf. 1491 Reg. Episc. Glasg. II 482.
Sen we ar sa weil set unto ȝow 1657 Hibbert P. No. 20.
Giff he haid bein evill sett against ȝow [etc.]

23. To set (the) fyre, the kyndilling, to set (something) in (till, to) fyre, in a fyr, on fire, a fyre, to set fire to, to set on fire, to burn; also to light (a fire, etc). (See Fire n. 1 b for further examples). Also fig.; also to set the kill afire, to start or instigate (something). (Cf. also Setting vbl. n. 3 c.)(1) 1513 Doug. x vii 112.
The hyrd … Amang the scroggy rammell settis the fyre 1513 Doug. x vii 115.
He that set the kyndillyng glaid and gay Behaldis quhou that the low doys mak deray(2) c1552 Lynd. Mon. 4048.
The gret tempyll … Thay … sett … in to fyre 1564 Reg. Privy C. I 281.
Haddir set on fyre 1558-66 Knox I 17.
A trane of powder was maid and sett a fyre 1609 Dundonald Par. Rec. 192.
[They] set thair barn on fyr on the Sabboth a1651 Calderwood V 144.
He … sett the hous … on firefig. a1500 Lanc. 30.
Set I was afyre In felinge c1590 Fowler I 69/55.
My breist, which all wes set in fyre c1590 Fowler I 241/44.
Quhat furious rage hes sett my thoughts in fyre a1651 Calderwood VII 357.
This forsaking of his station, efter he had helped to sett the kill afire

24. To assign (something) to a use or to be used or involved in (on) a process; also, specif., to put (something) up for (to) sale; to make (something, chiefly, a person's life or strength) available for a purpose or to do (something) of the same sort. b. To pit (one's strength) againe (something).(1) 1550 Rep. Grant Mun. 3.
That the samin vas set to the grit vtilite and weyll off our said abbaye(2) 1505–6 Treas. Acc. III 46.
For … gold to Matho Auchlek to set on the simont riall … and the remanent of tua unce … deliverit to Quinta Essencia and maid in olye 1505–6 Treas. Acc. III 46.
For Matho Auchlek to set on the simont riall quhilk wes deliverit to Quinta Essencia xiij Franch crounis 1506 Treas. Acc. III 280.
Tua Franch crownis and tua unicornis quhilk wer set on the syment ryall to gilt the said relique 1507 Treas. Acc. III 334.(3) ?1438 Alex. ii 8069.
To-morne … Honour sall be set to saill [F. Honneur est mise a vente] At speris streking ȝe sall all hale Be kingis sonnes(4) c1420 Wynt. iv 766.
It is myn honest det For my land my lyff to set 1456 Hay I 194/21.
It is gude to lordis to do wele to thair men … to set lyf and gude for thame in tyme of nede 1456 Hay I 263/16.
The lawis of armes … tholis vage bataill … And ony of hir brethir … will sett thair body tharefore, thai salbe … admyttit be samyn custumes 1622-6 Bisset II 244/16.
The unlaidning to be set first for recovering of the loissis and the resideu [etc.] — 1456 Hay I 203/15.
Thare is na man bot he wald his nychtboure sett his temporale lyf to save his sauleb. 1567 G. Ball. 57.
Sittand [B. Setting, D. Setand] thair strenth thy word againe

25. To bring or put into effect the concept expressed in the object.To set help(ing, remede, redres, to supply or apply a remedy; to set lak, to blame, censure; to set let(ting, to hinder, prevent (see Let n. 1 a); to set one's main, see Main n.¹ b; to set pane, to take trouble. 1375 Barb. v 580.
Had nocht God … Set help in-till his awine hand He had bene dede 1375 Barb. ix 51.
[He] set mekill payn To comfort thaim a1400 Leg. S. xlviii 209.
He … That to the puple sa-gat spak & set one hir sa mekil lak 1386 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 9.
Gyf ony … shapes to do harme … the lordes … sall set lettyng tharin aftir thair leal poair ?1438 Alex. i 839.
I can na succour sie Gif ȝe vs failȝe to set helping ?1438 Alex. ii 2063.
He wald richt glaidly set his pane For to reioyce the Bauderane 1409 Exch. R. IV ccx.
Ony maner of … skath … he sal … ger it to be … made knawin … and set the letting tharin … without delay c1420 Wynt. viii 2376.
To pray this Pape … In thir injwrys to set remede ?a1450 Florimond 264.
Thair hade beine bargane haistielie betuix tha twa, wer nocht the king gart smartlie set thaim letting 1456 Hay I 3/27.
It sulde be ane of the hie lignie of France the quhilk suld sett remede in all this thingis a1578 Pitsc. I 394/27.
To sett ane remedy thairto 1587 Strathendrick 170.
And thairby unable to awaitt and sate redres befoir the Lordis of Sessioun

b. To set all to all, to make every effort. Only in Alex. ?1438 Alex. ii 4933.
Quhen gude men settis all to all To win honour ?1438 Alex. ii 2751.
Set all to all [F. Metés tout contre tout] I pray it thé Or thow now disprysit be

26. a. To put (a value) on (apon). 1375 Barb. x 513.
The erle Thomas … hey empris Set ay on [C. apon] souerane he bounte

b. To impose or inflict (a penalty, etc.) apon, agayne, to; to impute (a fault to) (on). 14.. Burgh Laws c. 99 (B).
He sal be convikkyt … & put in al the skath that hys aduersare may set agayne [a. put on] him ?14.. Ship Laws c. 14 (B).
The maystyr is haldyn to mak the recepte gude and nathyng to be set apon the ladysman a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 590.
Was neuer sa vnsound set to my hert — a1500 Sir Eger 2391.
He was never christned with salt That could on me set any fault

27. To set (something) fra, behind (one), to put (it) from, behind (one), to eschew, reject (it). ?1438 Alex. ii 675.
All euillis hes he fra him set c1400 Troy-bk. ii 2036.
Thare lord … takkis the wer, Settand all schame behynd

V. To put in position, arrange, fix.

28. To put in position, dispose, arrange ((a body of) men, troops or hunters). b. To put in place (an ambush, siege). c. To put (sentries, guards) on watch. 1375 Barb. vii 578.
The king … set his men in gud aray 1375 Barb. xi 571 (see 30 below). 1460 Hay Alex. 3143.
He … Set ane battall betuix thame and the toun 1460 Hay Alex. 17102.
Ay a grete battalȝe … purpostlie to kepe the salt was sett a1500 Rauf C. 736.
Gif I war now and thy self … Vpon the mure quhair we met Baith all suddandly set Or ony knight that thow may get [etc.] c1475 Wall. ii 103.
Men of armes on Wallace semblit thar, Four scor was sett in armys … On the merket day, for Scottis to kepe the toune c1475 Wall. viii 117.
Sone to the park Wallace a range has set c1475 Wall. v 20.
About the park thai set on breid and lenth, With vi hundreth … All likly men, to wrek thaim of thar harmes c1475 Wall. v 75.
Wyth men about him set, Wallace mycht nocht a graith straik on him gett 1513 Doug. ix viii 10. 1567 Sat. P. iii 46.
The faid also rycht feitlie could he set a1568 Scott ii 62.
Strangmen of armes … Wer sett thame for to sidder 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 350.
[Men] wer set for the slauchter of Johne Hamiltoun a1578 Pitsc. I 56/1.
As they had ben settand tinchellis for the murther of wyld beistesb. 1375 Barb. vi 211.
Thai set enbuschement in the way 1375 Barb. xvii 270.
That he … will … To the toune ane assege set ?1438 Alex. ii 275.
Clarus … Hes set ane seage before that place ?1438 Alex. ii 438.
To Effezone ȝow ryde … And rase the sege that thair is set ?1438 Alex. ii 3069.
Thay … Sall set ane bushment to our ȝet 1535 Stewart 12773.
To fill the fowseis … Syne for to set ane seig round about a1568 Bann. MS 23a/18.
To sett a sege the hous abowt a1568 Gyre-carling 15.
The King of Fary … sett ane sege and ane salt with grit pensallis of prydc. 1375 Barb. xv 127.
For the trew he lewyt nocht To set wachis to the castell 1460 Hay Alex. 3298.
To the toun thai sett thare watchis nere 1533 Boece 570.
Thai sett bot few or ellis necligent wachis 1622-6 Bisset II 218/15.
Quhen the admirall weche sal be set and maid

29. To put in place, fix, arrange (a trap, snare, net, etc.) to catch animals, etc. b. specif. To set setis (Set n. 5), as above; also, more generally, to organise or arrange a hunt or the area to be hunted, to dispose hunters or beaters, etc. for the purpose of trapping animals; also, by extension, people. 1535 Stewart 3639.
As quha wald set ane girne befoir ane gled 1550 Breadalbane Doc. No. 73.
The said Johne sall haue leife to sett foure nettis within the Dowloch 1567 G. Ball. 100.
To set thair nettis with cloikit craftines 1567 G. Ball. 112.
Lyke to ane bird taine in ane net, The quhilk the foular for hir set 1576 Reg. Privy C. II 515.
[Not] to set girnis, lyme wandis, or to use ony uther ingyne for the slauchter of the saidis wyld fowlis 1599 Wemyss Corr. 36.
Ane lax nett sett within the mouth of the water of Lewin 1657 Cramond Kirk S. I 23 June.
Margaret Faape … confesseth … that she hade sett ane nett wpon the Sabbath dayabsol., fig. 1596 Dalr. I 322/12.
He sett [L. insidias capitales struere] for the kingis lyfeb. 1375 Barb. iii 479.
Thai … huntyt lang … And soucht schawys and setis set Bot thai gat litill for till ete ?1438 Alex. ii 2710.
Can thow nocht blaw Ane horne, and set thy settis on raw, Vncuppill thy houndis and gaming ma? c1420 Wynt. vi 1613.
He past … In till huntyng hym till play Wytht honest … cumpany Off his gammyn all thochty The stable and the setys sete c1420 Wynt. vii 46 (W) (see 51 below). c1420 Wynt. viii 5572.
A karle … That wald set settys … Chyldyr and women for to sla, And swanys that he mycht oure-ta, And ete thame 1513 Doug. iv iii 58.
Quhen that the rangis and the faid … Dynnys throu the gravys, sersyng the woddis wyde, And setis set the glen on euery syde 15.. Clar. iv 1767.
The saitis set with hunters … The eger hounds

30. To fix (a weapon) in the position required for its use. b. To fit (an arrow) in a bow.Cf. Alex. quot. at sense 12 (1) passive. 1375 Barb. xi 570.
Be nocht abaysit … Bot settis speris ȝow befor And bak to bak set all ȝour rout And all the speris poyntis owt 1460 Hay Alex. 1521.
He set his spere and strenȝeit fast his hors And strak him quyte throw scheild [etc.]b. c1420 Wynt. ii 40.
Hawand in hys hand a bowe, Thare in he set a brade arowe

31. To arrange, dispose (an object or its parts) in a particular manner. c1450-2 Howlat 355 (A).
In a feild of siluer … Ane egill … The memberis of the samyn foull displait … ay set for to fle a1500 Bk. Chess 2017, etc.
The chekker in four sqwar is met And ilk sqwar with viij poyntis is set 1566-70 Buch. Comm. on Virgil Georgics iv 417.
Compositis … crinibus, pexis (sett)

32. To set up (trestle-tables), also, once, ? to prepare (a table) for a meal. 1375 Barb. v 388.
The met all reddy grathit, Vith burdis set and clathis laid a1400 Leg. S. vii 615.
Josaphus … gerte ane vthire bord … be sete ?1438 Alex. ii 5005.
Gar set the burd [F. que la table soit mise!] that we may eit c1400 Troy-bk. i 372.
Be this was commyn tyme of mete Braid burdis war wpborn and sete And coveryt syne with clathis … Cowpis out brought … One towalle burdys arayit & drest c1420 Wynt. iv 1071.
The burdys wndyr clathis sete; And wyschyn he had to ga to mete 1477 Edinb. B. Rec. I 35.
The cramys of chepmen to be set fra the belhous doun to the Trone 1554 Edinb. B. Rec. II 200.
The cramis that salbe sett tobe ane burd on twa laych trestis without oney couering

33. To set one's salis, sale, to fix one's sails in position for a voyage; to sail. 1513 Doug. v xiii 69.
That saftly throu the see It may be leifful thai thar salys set a1570-86 Shaw in Maitl. F. 384/10.
With ane scharpe blawar … set ȝour sale a litle lawar

34. To fix (a decoration, usu. a gemstone) in an object or the material, usu. gold, of which the object is made. Also with prep. phr. describing the nature of the setting.(1) a1400 Leg. S. xxviii 19.
Oft men … set it [sc. the pearl] in bruchis, & in ryngis ?1438 Alex. i 992.
His scheld was gold … And in the cantel was set ane flour 1488 Treas. Acc. I 85.
A cassit collere of gold made like suannis set in gold 1511 Treas. Acc. IV 315.
To sett ane saphir in gold 1542 Inv. Wardrobe 63.
Jespe sett in gold a1585 Maitl. Q. 155/68.
Hir teithe as perle in curall set 1583 Edinb. Test. XII 55b.
Ane paddok stane set in gold 1598–9 Reg. Privy C. V 543.
Ane grit diamont sett in ane chattoun of gold(2) 1538 Treas. Acc. VII 14.
Ane … diamand sett in table for the quenis spousing ring 1542 Inv. Wardrobe 60.
Ane gryt dyamont set on day licht at the tane end

b. Of a bodily organ or appendage: To be fixed in a position or part of the body. c1420 Wynt. i 722.
Twa eyne ar in thare schuldrys set c1420 Wynt. i 797.
A horne … that is set … in the myddys of his foret

c. To fix or insert an object in a setting or the material of which the setting is made, also, in (vpoun) a position. Also with omission of the prep. phr.(1) a1500 Lanc. 72.
Thar was the garding with the flouris ourfret, Quich is in posy fore my lady set 1535–6 M. Works Acc. (ed.) I 189.
Of ald glas … tane doun … and set in new leid 1546–7 Reg. Great S. 20 n.
Ane meit burd of 3 ellis lang, set in ane creddill £4 1577 Crail B. Ct. 6 Aug.
To raise the pait stanis of the said gawill and to sett the samin in the myd parte thairoff — 1580 Edinb. B. Rec. IV 156.
To caus … sett vpoun the turnepyke of their tolbuith and javellour hous ane sufficient dur(2) 1563–4 Edinb. Old Acc. I 447.
To sett the windowis and heicht the solis of thame 1564–5 Edinb. Old Acc. II 211.
For xij pikis to sett the fyallis 1575–6 Lanark B. Rec. 71.
xij d. for ane stain to set the tolbuith burd … for leid to be ane bot thairto 1566-70 Buch. Comm. on Virgil Georgics ii 445.
Posuere [L. ratibus posuere carinas], sett 1623 Rec. Univ. Aberd. 282.
That the northe windowis of the said kirk sould be sett and harllett with lyme 1673 Old Ross-shire I 193.
Old glass taken down and sett over with new lide

35. To adjust or regulate (an instrument), e.g., a clock, compass, etc. 1533 Aberd. B. Rec. I 147.
Villiam Vallace to reule, set, gid, and keip thair knok c1679 Kirkton Hist. 254.
After the commissioner had preambulat the west, he set a compass by the south 1684 Sheriffhall Coal Accompt 15 March.
For waiting on the gine being the 1st weik it was setting & mending quhat was wrong

36. To put (words, songs, etc.) to music; to arrange music or a musical composition (for different instruments, in a number of parts, etc.). a1500 Henr. Test. Cress. 243.
Setting sangis and singand merilie a1500 Henr. Age & Yowth 7 (Makc.).
A mery man … Syngand this sang that rycht swetly wes set 1567 G. Ball. 69.
Sangis sweitlie set 1562-92 Wode's Psalter (ed.) 3.
To make it knawin wha sett the thre pairts to and agreable to the tenor, or comon pairt of the psalme buke 1562-92 Wode's Psalter (ed.) 134.
Psalm CXXXVI … is set wyth the note of Give laud unto the Lord 1562-92 Wode's Psalter (ed.) 135.
Certan Canticles. Set in iiii partes 1593 Edinb. B. Rec. V 106.
Instructet alsweill to reid, writt, sing, sett and play 1587-99 Hume 58/206.
The musicke then, and heauenly harmony Of instruments accorded in a kie, … Sall their be heard together sweitly set c1600 Montg. Suppl. iv 20.
My toung vnabile is to paint That constant lufe … O happie war the rethoriciane That with sueit wourdis wald lament it! Als happie war the gude musiciane Wald sett and caus it to be prentit 1653 Jervise Epitaphs & Inscriptions I 113/2.
To be schoolmaster to sett the psalmes & to be clerk to the Sessione 1562-92 Wode's Psalter (Bass, dupl. vol.) 172.
Sertan … songs, perfitly set in iiii pairtis

37. To put in place, establish, fix, arrange (a state of affairs, situation). b. Wele set, well or properly put in place, established, made safe or sure. c1420 Wynt. i 619.
Syne God … inclynyd was Thus tyll a pagane, … Quhat walde he for ws all set?b. a1508 Want of Wyse Men 13 (Ch. & M.).
The tyme that Octauiane, the monarch, coud hald, Our all was pes, wele set as hertis wald 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 105.
Directed the said laird … to make all passages so suire … betwixt Glasgow and Dumbartane … The passages bayth be land and water being weill set at the said meitting place [etc.]

38. p.p. Of tartan: Patterned according to particular colours. c1686 Depred. Clan Campbell 114.
Ane new colored woman's wearing plaid most sett to boday red. Item ane gray broken plaid sett most to the green

VI. To place mentally; to estimate; to value.

39. To place mentally or conceptually in a particular category; to attribute to or at (a cause, etc.); to regard as belonging to or depending upon (a particular sort of behaviour). 1375 Barb. xvii 826.
That wes mar The myrakill of God almichty And to noucht ellys it set can I ?1438 Alex. ii 2282.
War nocht that men wald it let Or to auant or rusing set Sic ane word say I wald That [etc.] ?1438 Alex. ii 5321.
Qvhen Fesonas, … Had said … That sho na lufe … Suld haue but Alexanderis will, To gude thay set it [F. Tout le tiennent a bien] 1622-6 Bisset II 256/31.
They moist … sett it at the eventoure of God

b. To put (items) in order; to place (an item) in (within) its place in a sequence or with others of the same sort by the use of judgment or other mental skills.To set in til a lyne, see Line n.² 7 b. a1400 Leg. S. Prol. 147.
To the apostulis now will I, In ordour set c1420 Ratis R. (STS) 1113.
The formest of thire eildis sere I set within the fyrst thre ȝere. Than buskis child [etc.] c1520-c1535 Nisbet III 128.
Sa we haue set thir … in thar awne ordour a1578 Pitsc. I 4/23.
Wrettaris hes … Sett thir auld storries in ordour c1590 Fowler I 109/146.
Sall I now … Ninus … forgett … and not with thame [sc. illustrious names] him sett? a1633 Hope Major Pract. II 235.
Ane summonds requyres not necesarlie the major, minor, and conclusion, to be sett in order

c. To order, organise or present (subject matter, etc.) in a particular fashion. c1460 Thewis Wysmen 97.
He settis his wordys ay wysly 1494 Loutfut MS 12a.
Armorie suld be set be nombre & be mesour of compas 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 854.
Lady Cleo, quhilk craftelie dois set Historyis auld like as thay war present

d. To set the cas, to put forward arguments, to argue a case; to put forward as if as an argument, hence, to suppose. c1420 Wynt. viii 384.
He … set the case all swykfully — 1456 Hay I 138/21.
As we wald sett the cas that [etc.] 1456 Hay I 143/22.
And sett we the cas, that he Duk of Brytaigne send gold in Almayne [etc.]

40. To lay down or fix (a rate or level). a. Of taxation, dues, etc. b. Of compensation. c. Of a ransome.a. 1532 Aberd. B. Rec. I 144.
Chesit Maister Thomas Menzeis [etc.] … thair taxtaris to stent, sett and tax the sovme of iiij^xx iiij lib. Scottis mone monethtlie to be rasit 1540 Aberd. B. Rec. I 170.
Nychtbouris schessin … to sett a generall taxt 1570 Conv. Burghs I 19.
That ane extent be sett and rasitt of the haill burrowis a1595 Descr. Isles 435.
Lismoir … has na set rentall of dewtie because it is everie ȝeir alterit or set 1608 Inverurie B. Ct. 1 Nov.
[They] ar chosin and sworne to sett the teind scheaweis of Innerrowrie for the ȝeir … And to sett all wthir taxationis of the said bruche for the said ȝeir 1675 Kirkcaldy B. Rec. 24 June.
Conforme to the last stentroll in respect they have not tyme to sett ane new stentb. 1513 Doug. xi iv 92.
To set Ȝon Turnus slauchter for owr recompensc. 1561 Cal. Sc. P. I 584.
[His ransom, when it is] anis sett

d. To lay down a standard. 1523 Acta Conc. Publ. Aff. 189.
That the counsale … sett ane convenient pais of the breid baith of fynes and wecht 1587 Acts III 521/1.
To set mak and establische ane mett measor and wecht to be commoun and vniuersall

41. To put a value on, fix the price of (a commodity, property, etc.); also const. to the sum; to lay down (the price of goods, payment for a service, etc.). b. specif. To put a value on a ship's cargo (cf. 42 below). c. To put a value on a person. 1445 Ayr B. Ct. 4 Oct.
That nane met the mele bot thai that sett it 1487 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 53.
That thay set the meill in the commoun mercat and nocht in houssis nor vnder stairis 1494–6 Treas. Acc. I 217.
Sett to him for ilk raise in and furth for fourty five pundis, of tua rasis … lxxxx li. 1509 Justiciary Rec. II 143.
That na lugeing … be sett … of derrer price nai thai war sett at uther justice airis 1511 Treas. Acc. IV 300.
For the fraucht of the cordage … sett for ilk tun fraucht ij^m pund wecht; ansuerand to vij^m viij^c lxxxviij pund cordage; price of ilk tun fraucht tuenti s. Scottis; summa vij li. x s. 1553 Perth Guildry p. 508 (7 Sept.).
That the vnce of fyne siluer salbe set to ix s. vj d. 1556 Perth Hammermen 85.
Gif it beis set better chaip 1569 Edinb. Test. I 258b.
Ten bollis aittis sawing … ilk boll sett within the availl xl d. 1575 Edinb. Test. III 257b.
The price set as is writtin 1586 Edinb. Test. XVII 100b.
xiij gros and ane half of cambes … prisyt and set all ourheid to the sowme of xxx lib. 1594 Edinb. Test. XXVI 303.
Merchandice … quhilk he settis & estimattis to v^c & xl merkis 1622-6 Bisset II 81/16.
Guidis and geir … and utheris omitted be thame, or sett within the iust awaill 1655 Rothesay B. Rec. 8.
The … counsell considering what may be sett on the ilk boll … hes fund xx s. for ilk boll malt may pay the said excise 1655 Rothesay B. Rec. 9.
Cunstaris … quho have liberty to set the pryce thairon according to the worthe not exceiding ii s. the pynt aillb. 1602 Conv. Burghs II 144.
Or ȝit gif sic wariance fall furth amangis them selffis [sc. the owners] … the schip sall nocht ly idill bot the leist pairt sall sett the ship vpoun ane price lykeas thai will ather keip hir to thame selffis or than slip hir and latt hir away … but gif thai can nocht … agrie vpoun the seting of the said schip [etc.]c. c1650 Spalding II 23.
This preicheing wes plesantlie hard, and he esteimde a good barne, howsoeuer he wes set befoir

42. To estimate a quantity, specif. of a ship's cargo or of goods entering or leaving the realm, for the purpose of calculating the customs duty payable. Cf. also Setting vbl. n. 5 c. b. ellipt. To estimate the customs duty payable.Const. to the quantity of goods or sum payable. 1582 Conv. Burghs II 509.
The guidis aftermentionat be indifferent estimatioun ar to be sett to the sowmes and quantitie afterspecifeit, that is to say; ilk quantitie or bowlk of lambskynnis estimatt in the kings compt and rollis of his maiesties customes for j^c to be sett to ane barrell and ilk barrell swa sett to pay sex penneis 1595 Skene in Misc. Stair Soc. I 145.
Skynnis … ar nevir tauld, bot as the custumar and merchant aggreis amangis thame selfis will set and esteme thame to i^c skynnis 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Serplath.
The sek of wooll is commounlie set be the skippers to ane tun 1610–11 Aberd. Shore Wk. Acc. 64.
Ane bark from Dundie with iron and plumdamais set to 6 last and 5 barals 38 s. 6 d.b. 1610–11 Aberd. Shore Wk. Acc. 65.
Thomas Richison master of ane schip from the Rochell with salt and 18 tun wyin set to £7 4 s.

43. To set (someone, something) at na thinge, at nocht, at licht, at litile price (vaill), to put no (slight, little) value on, to hold in little, etc., esteem. a1400 Leg. S. vi 616.
At na-thinge settand hewynis Kynge c1420 Ratis R. (STS) 1266.
This eild … settis trawall oft at nocht a1500 Rauf C. 740.
How he was … set at sa licht 1490 Irland Mir. I 36/30.
And settis at litile price all waurldly thingis 1558 Q. Kennedy Tractive 112.
Men … lychtleis, contempnis, and settis at nocht the deliberatioun off the Kirk of God 1567 G. Ball. 74.
Than man I … my Goddis name manesweir, And set him at full lytill vaill a1568 Scott xx 28.
Hir … Quhilk settis thy lufe at licht

b. To set (something) bot licht, to set but lightly of (something), to put slight value on something, to value it slightly. a1500 Rauf C. 635.
‘Be Christ,’ said the Coilȝear, ‘I set that bot licht’ a1500 Rauf C. 936. a1500 Sir Eger 2408.
He hath spyed … A brighter bride … He sets but lightly of your love

c. To set (a thing) before (another thing), to value (a thing) more highly than (another thing). a1400 Leg. S. xliv 178.
Thai That varldly lyking settis ay Befor lykyne that ma nocht Cese 1456 Hay I 84/18.
And ȝit settis honour … before dede a1500 Bk. Chess 1137.
And set the commoun proffet of the land Befor thair lyf

d. To set nocht of (for) (a person or thing), to care nothing for. Also with clause object. Also to set lesse of … than.(1) 1456 Hay I 70/7.
Of God na man he settis nocht 1456 Hay I 233/25.
Ane unworthy lymmare, that settis nocht for honour 1513 Doug. iii ix 118.
It is enuch that I eschapyt haue Ȝone cruel pepill, I set not of the lave 1531 Bell. Boece (M) I 296.
We sett nocht quhatt pepill haif dominioun of ws(2) a1500 Quare Jel. 492.
Every lady of honour … Lesse settith of hyr deth than hyr gud name

44. a. To set nocht (no thing, lytyll, licht) by (be) (something or someone), to put no value on, to be unaffected by. Also in absol. or ellipt. use, to set nocht (na thing, lytill) by, to be unconcerned, not to care or worry.(1) c1420 Wynt. viii 2578.
Owris is … the rycht, Set we rycht noucht be all thare mycht c1420 Ratis R. 1408.
This eild is joly, proud and gay, And louis weil ay new aray, And settis nocht by tynsell gret Bot thinkis ay mar to get 1456 Hay II 90/19.
Than sall he be … put to perpetuale defame … and his peple sall nocht sett by him 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 2045.
Nobillis … Thair verteous nobilitie settis nocht by, For dishonest vnlefull warldlie wayis c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 213/49.
Sett not by demyng, For no man sall undemit be 1513 Doug. i viii 84.
The strenth of men ȝhe set not by 1535 Stewart 26652.
Settand nocht by for to be mensworne 1567 G. Ball. 235.
Thay … set not by how that we fair 15… Moray Mun. Box 3, No. 39.
I sat nocht by onesuthefast sawis Bot as thay cum so lat theme go(2) a1500 Quare Jel. 158.
Quho be wroth or quho be blith here I Am he the quhich that sett no thing thareby a1500 Bk. Chess 709.
A juge of law he suld be in sic a kynd … That covatis settis him no thing by a1605 Montg. Sonn. lxv 12.
I … am right dortie to come ouir the dur, For thame that by my kyndnes no-thing settis(3) 1517 Acta Conc. Publ. Aff. 89.
Tha ar fykle of mynd and settis bot lytyll by … thar aythtis 1572 Buch. Detect. (1727) 25.
Thair testimonies … wer sic as thay micht esilie set licht by(4) absol. or ellipt. 1456 Hay I 14/29.
Suppos it be sum part subtile to understand, settis nocht by 1456 Hay I 33/30.
The tynsale of the body … is lytill to sett by, be tynsale of the saule 1456 Hay I 150/36.
A king settis nocht by, sa that he have his nombre a1500 Seven S. 1928.
‘Cum in,’ quod scho, ‘set ȝe nocht by' 1535 Stewart 20468.
So noyit he wes with sic melancolie That of him self almaist he set nocht by ?1552–3 Balcarres P. 312.
And I had bene orderit with ony honest woman I wald nocht settin by howsoweir it had bene a1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. 306/59.
Na thing by thai settit How wrangouslie thai get it

b. To set nocht (not) by (something) a fle (blase, buttoun, myte, bene, chirry, fert), with transfer of sense of nocht (not) from = nothing to = not: To value (something, someone) not even at the valuation of a flea, etc. c1420 Wynt. iv 771 (W).
I … set nocht by my lif a fle c1420 Wynt. vi 2024 (W).
A blase I set nocht by ȝow baith c1420 Wynt. vi 2144.
I set nowcht thare-by a bwttoune c1420 Wynt. vii 152.
He set nowcht by thare mane a myte 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 736.
Ȝit of my deith I set not half ane fle c1500-c1512 Dunb. (STS) xiv 28.
Sa mekle tressone, … That all the lawis ar not sett by ane bene c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 194/22.
Lat us be mirry And sett nocht by this warld a chirry c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 65/58.
And now I sett nocht by a bene Hir bewty nor hir twa fair ene 1510 Glasgow Dioc. Reg. II 345.
I sett nocht by ȝou a fert of ȝour ers

c. To set by (a person or thing) chiefly, in negative or quasi-negative context, to value, esteem.(1) c1460 Thewis Gud Women 284.
In thar eild nan settis thaim by 1492 Myll Spect. 296/26.
Kepe hir … vnder the dreid of awe or ellis scho sall neuer dreid thé nor set bye thé c1500-c1512 Dunb. Flyt. 238.
Lyk ane tyk purspyk quhat man settis by thé c1500-c1512 Dunb. (STS) lxxi 9.
Is nane of ws ane vddir settis by 1513 Doug. iii iii 75.
Or quha wald than … Set by the prophetes wordis Cassandra? 1513 Doug. v Prol. 59 (Ruddim.).
I set by nowthir ȝour tormentis, na ȝour glorie 1513 Doug. xi iv 98.
Na lust to lyf langar seyk I Onlesum war syk plesour I set by a1538 Abell 37a.
Hald ȝow 3 to giddir ȝe sall nocht be sone our travyt bot and ȝe ga syndrie few will set by ȝow c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus iii 342.
Say quhat ȝe pleis richt small I set it by 1570 Sempill in Sat. P. xii 189.
And war scho heir I tak na feir The Feynd aby we set hir(b) 1560 Rolland Seven S. 3246.
Ȝe gif mair traist vnto ȝour py Nor vnto me, and mair hir sittis by(2) 1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 2048.
Bot he that can be dowbill nane is set by c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 208/22.
Sum gevis to littill … That his giftis ar not set by 1560 Rolland Seven S. 3607.
Quhairto … suld I Tell ony taill quhen it is not set by c1550 Corr. M. Lorraine 321.
Thar cumis sa mony chargis and nocht answert and na punision, quhyll tha ar nocht sett by nor dred 1567 Sat. P. vii 91.
Thair laude … Salbe disperst … Quhen faceles fuillis sall not be settin by 1650 Gunn Cross Kirk Peebles 142.
[Family worship was not so] sett by … [as was to be wished]

VII. To come to a fixed or settled view, attitude or position.

45. In active use.

To engage (oneself, one's desires, intentions, abilities, etc.) in (into), on (upon), to, for, also, against (a cause, aim or purpose). Also with God as the object of the preposition. b. With reflexive pronoun as object.(1) a1400 Leg. S. vi 489.
Ve suld set our maste delyte In Goddis vord a1400 Leg. S. x 419.
The apostil … that sat had hale His traste in God ?1438 Alex. ii Prol. 26.
He that in wit Settis his intent [etc.] c1420 Ratis R. 85.
Thaim … That settis maist part thar lewyng In rychtwysnes c1552 Lynd. Mon. 514.
In to God sett all thy traist 1596 Dalr. II 186/23.
I euir sett my hail mynd, and put my body in auenture for Scotland(2) a1400 Leg. S. xxvii 303.
He sat his hart one heare thing ?1438 Alex. i 1508.
For vpon his auancement He thocht to set all his intent c1420 Wynt. viii 2436.
On mony curys his hart he sete c1460 Consail Vys Man 260.
Set neuir thi hart one cowatice 1549 Compl. 44/23.
The nobil Scipio … set his felicite on the manuring of the corne land, & in the keping of bestialite c1552 Lynd. Mon. 394.
Quhy do we set so our intentis On ryches, dignitie, and rentis? a1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. 301/10.
Quhair thai on sett, ay in thai gett Thair is na ȝet nor dur thame bydis a1578 Pitsc. I 21/25.
Tyrantis settand thair haill purpois and intent vpone mischeiff(3) c1460 Wisd. Sol. (STS) 95.
Than set I my wyt to contemplacioune of wysdome c1460 Thewis Wysmen 264.
Thai set alhaill thar delygens Fra warldis wysdom … And settes thar besynes alway For hevynly joy a1500 Henr. Fab. 2212.
The warld … makis man to haif na mynd of deid Bot settis for winning all the craftis thay can c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus iii 475.
He dar not to ane vther set his hart. For hir at hame he is sa sair adred(4) 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1822) 124.
It must be your resolution, to set your face against Satan's northern tempests 1644 Shetland Witch Trial in Hibbert Shetland Islands 598.
Ye, being enraged, set your venefical malice against him, and cursit him(5) c1420 Ratis R. 1658.
Quhar a man settis his entent thar maist thar hart and wyll is lent a1500 Seven S. 1484.
How schapis thow thi hart to set?b. reflex. c1400 Troy-bk. ii 1409 (C).
Pyrrus sett hyme thame ageyne c1400 Troy-bk. ii 2030.
Quhen women settis thaim for sic cryme As for to defoull [etc.] c1420 Wynt. ii 1426.
Thai … set thame hale wpone felony 1456 Hay II 28/26.
All thame that settis thame for the distrublaunce of the pore peple 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 266.
In matters of conscience, we must … set ourselves in terms of opposition … with the shields of the earth

VIII. (To cause) to take a particular direction.

46. To direct or apply (one's mind, will, purpose, hopes, etc.) to do (something). Also, once, how that (something might be done). b. With reflexive pronoun as object.(1) 1375 Barb. i 11.
I wald fayne set my will … To put in wryt a suthfast story a1400 Leg. S. v 194.
Al creatur To be commone settis thare cur a1400 Leg. S. xii 78.
He … to emplese hyr set his payne a1400 Leg. S. xxvii 8 (see Main n.¹ 1 b). c1420 Wynt. v 4705.
Hale hys purpos he set than For to becum the Devillis man c1420 Ratis R. 873.
Set neuir thi hart … To have gret thing in gouernynge 1456 Hay I 85/27.
He that … has his hert ferme sett to sustene all adversitee 1456 Hay II 151/12.
He wald never lere vertu na never sett his cure na his besynes thareto 1531 Bell. Boece I 13.
Settand thair ingine to beilde … townis for defence 1531 Bell. Boece (M) I 212.
Anthonius sett his mynde to govern the Roman army in sik maner [etc.] 1531 Bell. Boece II 442.
The Inglismen, seing that he micht nocht eschape set thair besines to take him 1549 Compl. 141/9.
Euerye man settis his felicite to distroy his nychtbour 1549 Compl. 45/2. 1560 Rolland Seven S. Prol. 11.
To conqueis landis sum settis thair courage c1650 Spalding I 259.absol. a1400 Leg. S. xxxiii 169.
Tho Deme Nature had set hir cure, Scho cuth nocht amend in hyre fygure(2) a1570-86 Merser in Maitl. F. 411/3.
Eird apone eird hes set all his thocht How that eird vpone eird till hicht may be brochtb. reflex. 1375 Barb. x 539.
The erle … him set Sum sutelte or wile to get c1420 Wynt. iv Prol. 24.
Swa, tyll excyte yhour delyte, I have set me now to wryte c1420 Ratis R. 855.
Set thé tharfor in thi ȝouthed To knaw [etc.] 1456 Hay I 197/23.
Sen he may nocht othir wayis … eschape the dede, he settis him to fulfill his maisteris bidding 1456 Hay II 39/30.
All syk perilis suld be schawin to the squier or he sett him to cum to the examynyng 1460 Hay Alex. 1918.
[He] With all his mane and all his mude him set Till ettill him ane vther [sc. stroke c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 70/11.
Quhen I sett me to sing or dance 1513 Doug. vi vii 90.
With sik wordis Eneas … Set him to meys the sprete of Queyn Dido 1533 Bell. Livy I 142/24.
His freyndis tuke grete indignacioun, that this illustir tempill suld be dedicate be Horacius, and set thame … to empesch the samyn 1533 Bell. Livy I 273/7.
The tribunis sett thame be galenȝeis to [etc.] a1568 Bann. MS 212b/53.
Thow suld thé set to serwe Him [sc. God] idently

c. With omission of nominal or pronominal object: To set about (doing), to set out, intend or purpose to do (something). 1375 Barb. x 520.
He set for to purches sum slycht how he mycht help him ?1438 Alex. ii 2098.
That euenture is on great manere I set to bair and is nocht sure c1450-2 Howlat 565 (A).
He gaif it to the Douglas … gif he couth wyn it on weire Quhilk for his souerane saike he set till assay 1456 Hay I 127/3.
Quhethir gif I aw lefully to help my nychtbour in armes, gif ony wald sett to sla him 1460 Hay Alex. 897.
Quhan Alexander haid ordand his battell attyre … Than sett he for to mak his ordinance Off officieris [etc.] 1460 Hay Alex. 3812.
For I sett nocht all hardie man to sla, Bot los and wourschip till all wourthy to ma a1500 Henr. Fab. 116. a1500 Colk. Sow Prol. 46.
Suld I begin to sport and nocht conclude Than wold ȝe all belyve say, lo him ȝondir That set to bourd and left it in a blondir

47. In passive use.

Of a person, their hopes, desires, etc: To be directed towards or intent on (a goal); to be in the process of following, disposed to follow or determined on (for, to) (a course of action, purpose, etc.; also, once, a person).(1) a1400 Leg. S. xxi 32.
Til that hyre mach had forȝet Is [= His] foly that he one was set 1456 Hay I 118/14.
Hardynes … cummys of the hert and of the mynde of the man that is set … for … vertu a1500 Henr. Robene & M. 113.
Mawkyne, the howp of all my heill, My hairt on thé is sett c1515 Doug. (Sm.) I p. xxi.
I found euer his grace … sett to the synguler vell and deffens off his sister a1568 Scott Bann. MS 277a/17.
[Men's] hairtis ar sett with ficcelnes For loif and nocht for lufe a1570-86 Arbuthnot in Maitl. F. 58/106.
Thocht the warld be haly set on yll 1595 Melvill 328.
Pray God to keipe his majestie in guid concord … deteasting … the evill disposition of sic persones, that … is sett to the contrar 1596 Dalr. I 94/14.
Thair labour and hail studie baith in peace and weir was ay sett thairto c1630 Scot Narr. 42.
The Regent … was so sett for bishops and conformitie with Ingland 1647 Ruthven Corr. 92.
I am sett to my shifts in my old age(2) c1616 Hume Orthog. 2.
To draue your eie, set on high materes of state, to take a glim of a thing of so mean contemplation

b. With infinitive object: To be about to do; to be inclined, disposed or resolved to do; to intend to do; to be bound or destined to do. a1400 Leg. S. xxxvii 403.
[St. Vincent] til ples God wes mar sete, Thane [etc.] ?1438 Alex. ii 5674.
Counsell thé here with thy kin For thow art set to tyne or win a1500 Henr. Fab. 67.
Ane cok … To get his dennar set was al his cure c1475 Wall. vi 41.
Quhat suld I say, Wallace was playnly set To luff hyr best c1500-c1512 Dunb. (OUP) 186/25.
Wrechis set with sorow and care To gaddir gudis all thar liffis spaice 1513 Doug. xi vi 65.
Cruell handis set fortill invaid Kyng Priamus 1531 Bell. Boece (M) I 376.
We ar sett to mynneis na manis honouris a1568 Bann. MS 267a/30.
Quhen … wemen ar sett to say no man a mis … Than sall my lady luve me a1570-86 Kennedy in Maitl. F. 235/25.
This warld is sett for to dissaif ws a1599 Rollock Wks. I 435.
He that is wod, he is set to rebell … ever inclyning to disobedience 1611-57 Mure True Crucifixe 3125.
With hearts right set their Maister's will to know a1634 Forbes Rec. 378.
The presbitries … to testifie how farr they were sett to pleasour his majestie, yeildit to the said continuation a1634 Forbes Rec. 522.
Allbeit I be not purposlie sett to mak answer in this discourse, yet would I have all men … learne [etc.] 1618-60 Lithgow Poet. Remains 245.
Is he not limitd and thy mighty power Set to controle him? else he would devoure Thy saints … but … Thou lets him smite [etc.]absol. ?1438 Alex. ii Prol. 18.
Sa that my trauell and my pane I se weill all is set in vane

48. To bring to a settled state, to bring to a stop; specif. of a mill: To cause (it) to cease working.Also in the later dial. (See also 68 b below and Setting vbl. n. 6.) 1624 Perth Kirk S. 5 Jan.
He wes nocht in the said myln that nicht and knawis nocht quhen scho wes sett 1650 Brechin Presb. 19.
Marat Merchant cam … to the mill to grind a peck, quhilk he refused to doe till the mill was picked, nevertheless the said Marat urged him to doe it befor the mill was set

49. tr. To cause (a person or persons, also, once, appar., oneself) to pass into a place, or from one place to another, to convey, transport, to set on land, etc.(1) 1375 Barb. iii 426.
Ane That rowyt thaim our … And set thaim on the land a1400 Leg. S. xxix 421.
He … on the farrere land hym set 1405 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 58.
[They] sett thaim in ane yle callit Maij c1420 Wynt. vi 953.
Apon land thai set hym 1533 Boece 84.
Quhen he was sett on land [etc.] 1602 Conv. Burghs II 139.
The skipper may sett him instantle vpoun the first schore he cums tointr. for reflex. 1513 Doug. i iv 30.
Troianys sped thame to land, As thai desyrit set softly on the sand(2) 1375 Barb. xiv 382 (C).
With four schippes … He set thame our the Ban c1420 Wynt. vi 1999.
Owre the wattyre than wes he sete c1420 Wynt. vi 2020.
Makduff … That set besowth the wattyre wes, Off Erne, than past on in Fyffe [etc.]intr. for reflex. c1420 Wynt. v 4357.
He tuk … his wayage … Till Ytaly … And discumfyte the empryowre, And wan gret wyrschype and honoure Off Frawns nere the bordwrys sete(3) a1578 Pitsc. I 394/28.
To … sett certane bandis of men of weir to the bordouris

50. To cause (persons, etc.) to proceed in a particular direction, to (= towards) a geographical location. c1400 Troy-bk. i 192.
He ger ankeres rasit be And smertly set thame to the see c1400 Troy-bk. i 207.
A likand wynd thame sett to land a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 484 (L).
Sic gettis ay, as settis ay Stout stomakis to the bray

b. To send (a letter) to (a person). Also absol. 1611 Scrymgeour Invent. 3.
Ane letter of tak set be James Caddell of Asslowane to James Scrymgeourabsol. 1673 Montgomery Mem. 332.
To the post for bringing hom som books and sett som letters … 10 s.

c. To put (a dog) on (in) a (person's) track. 1375 Barb. vi 555.
In his trace the hund he set

51. To lay down, determine, decide upon a, one's cours. 1375 Barb. iv 697.
Quhar-throw clerkys … May knaw coniunctiones off planetis, And quhethir that thar cours thaim settis In soft segis or in angry c1420 Wynt. vii 46 (W).
Than on the morne but langere let, The settis and the coursis set, The king and als the knycht thai twa Togidder raid 1513 Doug. i Prol. 433.
Thar curs by fait was set tyll Italy 1513 Doug. iii iv 85.
I knaw ȝe set ȝour cowrs to Italy 1513 Doug. v iv 7.
Set thi cours innarmor

52. intr. To proceed, start, set out on (apon), for, to (a purpose, journey, goal, etc.); up (an incline); to do (something).(1) a1400 Leg. S. xxiv 287.
One thus purpos quhene he was sat His fadyre sudanely he met c1420 Wynt. viii 3853.
He thowcht To ger thame set swa for thare cuntré, that [etc.] 1456 Hay I 105/9.
The pape may geve pardouns till all Cristin men that wald sett for the conquest of it [sc. the Halyland] 1513 Doug. viii Prol. 61.
The schipman schrenkis the schour and settis to schor 1632 Lithgow Trav. x 440.
From thence I set east-ward to Syragusa 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 275.
I exhort you to set up the brae to the King's city 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 443.
I beseech you … set up the mountain, that ye and I may meet(2) 1375 Barb. xiv 467 (C).
Apon the morn thai set [E. send] to spy Quhar Scottis men had tane herbery

53. tr. To put (a person) til (an occupation), to, on (upon) work, a task, etc., also, to do (a task). Also, once, to set (an organisation) a worke, to cause (it) to function.(1) a1400 Leg. S. xxxix 23.
For tha had na herytage … Thar modir til a crafte thaim set c1420 Wynt. viii 5342.
At Blakbwrne wyth the Lord Berklay He wes set to full hard assay a1500 Rauf C. 392.
Ane man … That neuer wald set him on assay withoutin his assent 1596 Dalr. II 326/14.
Thair hindmest hand tha set not to the wark c1615 Breve Cron. Earlis Ross 13.
After he had set him anes on warke [etc.] 1678 Welch in Welsh Forty-eight Serm. 534.
It should set you upon diligence and importunity in inviting him, and wrestling with him, as Moses did (2) 1460 Ayr B. Ct. 3 Nov.
The comite has chosing & sett John Mason to wirk his craft owther at the kirk werk or at the brig werk a1500 Colk. Sow ii 163.
Than sett scho me to leir littill at the scule Nowdir lyk to be a wysman nor a fule(3) 1611 Reg. Privy C. IX 177.
[It is] verie necessair for mony speciall considerationis that the cunȝee hous be sett a worke

54. To cause (a person, oneself, etc.) to meet (another) in conflict or to act or behave in a hostile fashion. Const. to or aganis the adversary.To set (persons) agayne (another) in haterent, to cause (them) to feel hostility, anger or hatred.(1) 1460 Hay Alex. 3185.
Emenedus to Ladinis him sett, And Ladinis agane him stoutlie mett c1475 Wall. iii 371.
Sewyn scor … agayne xvi war sett 1570 Misc. Bann. C. I 48*.
Gif thair be ony stout carle, set me till him, and I sall gif him ane callado with ane stokado 1607 Melvill 737.
In the heat of thais contentiounes, the heartis, tongues and pennis of Jerusaleme Watchemen ar … lyk razoris scharpit and sett ane againes ane uthir(2) 1456 Hay II 153/22.
Gif he wald counsale thé to tak apon thé pure peple … for than sall he sett all thy leegies aganis thé in haterent

b. To set (a person, dog, etc.) on (upone) (another person) to cause (him, it) to become involved in an encounter with or attack on (another); to tip-off, put (a person) on to (another). 1533 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 131.
[They] set twa dogis upone hir 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 338.
He wes set quietlie be sum of the thevis on Johne Ormestoun … quha wes tane 1690 Cramond Kirk S. III 12 June.
Dorothy went throw severall houses seeking Jonet Macmaths mother to sett her on them

IX. Senses apparently arising from a reversal of construction or by ellipsis.

55. To ornament (an object), decorate (a surface), inlay (metal, etc.) with (in) precious stones, gold, etc. also, with a picture or image. b. To surround a gemstone with other subsidiary stones.(1) a1400 Leg. S. vi 277.
Set oure all is that vanis with brycht & schenand preciuse stanys a1400 Leg. S. x 255.
Cronis sat vith preciuse stanys ?1438 Alex. ii 6769.
With iaspe and beryall … And of imagery the quhilk thare was Set of gold 1488 Treas. Acc. I 81.
A brassalet of gold sett with precious stanis 1488 Treas. Acc. I 84.
A frete of the quenis oure set with grete perle 1566 Prot. Bk. J. Scott 42.
Ane masar sett about the lippis with siluer 1558–9 Edinb. B. Rec. III 27.
Ane ring set with ane dyamant 1566-70 Buch. Comm. on Virgil Æn. i 654.
Monile bacatum, the brotch that wes sett about with perle and pretious steanis 1623 Orkney & Shetl. Test. I 89.
Ane maisser set with siluer 1632 Montgomery Mem. 290.
A great jowall in forme of a feather, all sett with great and small diamonds 1626 Edinb. Test. LIII 225 (see Petrinel n.).(2) c1500 Loutfut Poem on Heraldry (EETS, Extra Ser. 8, 9420).
To set armes in metallis and colouris 1610 Edinb. Test. XLVI 166b.
Ane turkas ring set in gould(3) c1450-2 Howlat 411 (A).
The feld Was siluer set with ane hertb. 1506 Treas. Acc. III 246.
Ane mergreit set with stanes 1600 Treas. Acc. MS 88.
Ane gret emerod set about with dyamontis

c. transf. Of the heavens: Studded (with stars). 1566-70 Buch. Comm. on Virgil Æn. iv 482.
Aptum, sett, placit

56. To insert or place (windows) in (the walls of) a building, to provide (a building) with windows. a1578 Pitsc. I 336/17.
This palice … was … sett and lightit witht fyne glassin wondowis

57. To plant (ground) with stakes, etc. c1475 Wall. x 42.
Folk he send … Gert set the ground with scharp spykis

58. To invest, beset (a place) (with soldiers, etc.) for the purpose of interception or the capture of an enemy. c1475 Wall. iv 56.
He … tauld how thai the way for his man sett c1475 Wall. iv 529.
To Schortwode schaw, and set it all about, Wytht v staillis 1535 Stewart 4125.
With mony spy Gart sett the wod

59. To beset, press (a person) hard (sair), to put (a person) under severe pressure (chiefly in battle). Freq. passive, to be in great straits. Also fig. const. sair. ?1438 Alex. i 2105.
Thir folk hes set vs hard this day c1420 Wynt. viii 1100.
Than Bethok feld hyr rycht hard set, For hyr dowchtyr c1420 Wynt. viii 5410.
He wes sete hard, … Thryis … bot ay he gat releffe c1420 Wynt. viii 6206.
The forryowris thare hard war sete; For thai war off na fors to fycht a1500 Rauf C. 447.
I sall hald that I haue hecht, bot I be hard setfig. a1568 Scott xx 20.
Quhat kin thing wes lufe, Quhilk now sett thé so sair

b. To beset (a person) with enemies. c1420 Wynt. iv 750.
The ferd day quhen Leonyda Swa wyth his fayis he [wes] set

60. Of a period of time: To be beset with rain. c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus i 38.
The day was sumpart set with weit

61. In law: To set aside, reject. 1565 Instit. Ct. Sess. in Edinb. Univ. MS La.iii.388a, 28b.
That ony sic requisitue dilatour exceptioun being of probatie beis proponit aganis him as mycht sett or declyne ane ordinar schireff 1678 Mackenzie Laws & C. ii xxii § 6 (1678) 498.
Thus an assiser was set (for that is the term of declining used in this case) 1678 Mackenzie Laws & C. ii xxvi § 2 (1699) 265.
To object against a witness in our law, is called to cast a witness, or to set him

62. To sight or ‘make’ (land). 1632 Lithgow Trav. vii 328.
When they set land, some this, some that, doe gesse, this hill, that cape

X. With prepositions in specialised senses.

63. intr. To set about, to begin, tackle (a task). 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1664) 189.
I purpose … to set about Hosea & to try if I can get it to the presse here 1662 Aberd. B. Rec. IV 202.
That this burghe … suld speidilie set about their duetie in the lyk 1681 New Mills Manuf. 6.
The inlargeing of itt … to be sett about

64. To set agane (in contrar), to oppose, act in a contrary fashion, controvert. ?1438 Alex. ii 165.
Ȝour words ar sa wonder wyse That na man may agane thame set a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 168.
Gif it happin that he … Has done my lord to displeise … He salbe set agane, As I am trew knight c1475 Wall. viii 366.
Sa aufully thai set, In contrar thaim the frayt folk mycht nocht stand

65. To set at, to attack. a1500 Sir Eger 571.
But for follie to set at wit

66. To set on (upon), to attack. 1375 Barb. xiii 316.
Thai with speris swa him met And swa fele speris on him set That [etc.] 1456 Hay I 196/31.
Had he slayn him in the place quhare he set on him first, he had bene excusit 1460 Hay Alex. 3654.
He sett on Arestes to do prowes a1500 Colk. Sow i 136.
Brawle doggis … settis on the sory hound 1516 Caldwell P. 53.
Ye, in your creuell … malice, sett upon the said Johne 1564 Inverness Rec. I 109.
Johne Roy cruwellie sett on the said James wyth ane sourd 1566 Inverness Rec. I 138.
The said Elspet … set vpon hyr and drew her hayr 1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 197.
Thai … lay in await … and set vpoun Henrie Seytoun a1578 Pitsc. I 24/7.
Allexander Stewart … manfullie sett vpone Schir Thomas Boyde in plaine battell 1581 Nugae Scoticae 36.
Thay uar the nomber of 16 thait sait upoune me and ane of thaime hait me … vithe … ane halbard 1596 Dalr. I 19/32.
With al kynde of armour thay sett vpon the hartis 1630-1651 Gordon Geneal. Hist. 166.
He sent the Southerland men … to draw a great compas about, and so to set vpon the backs and flanks of the Forbesses footmen 1665 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. II 63.
[They] cruellie … assaulting and setting upon Alexander McDonald(b) c1475 Wall. x 690.
Thai wyll syt on ws sarabsol. 1596 Dalr. I 113/22.
With gret baldness … thay set stoutlie onn, doubteng na danger