Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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

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First published 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Poll-, Pow-penny, n. [Appar. Poll n.² 1.] An offering customarily made at a memorial service or a funeral, ‘as it were on behalf of the deceased person’ (W.E.K. Rankin). — 1489 Rankin St. A. Ch. 48.
[One penny was to be offered by the procurator of the choir as] poll-penny [on the day of the obit, and he was to distribute two pennyworth of bread to the poor] 1538 Treas. Acc. VI 423.
To the powpenny deliverit to David Lindesay Lyoun herald, ane croune of wecht 1539 Ib. VII 181.
To the Erle of Murray till offer the pow penny xx s. 1542 Ib. VIII 143.
Gevin to my lord governour to offer in ane poll penny, ane rois nobill