Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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About this entry:
First published 1952 (SND Vol. III).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

DEMAIN, Demean, v.

†1. To treat or deal with (someone). Obs. in Eng. since 17th cent.Sc. 1682 R. Wodrow Sufferings (1722) III. 410:
The Sentence . . . by which they are ordered to be executed to Death, and demeaned as Traitors when apprehended.Sc. 1746–47 More Culloden Papers (ed. D. Warrand 1930) V. 33–34:
Lord Loudoun has issued intimation that He will consider such complyance as aiding and abetting the Rebels, and threatening to Demean such as shall comply, accordingly.

2. To treat badly, to maltreat, injure (Mry.¹ 1925; Bnff.² 1940). Obs. in Eng. since 16th cent.Bnff. 1866 Gregor D. Bnff. 222:
His horse cam doon, and demainet 'im most awfou.Ayr. 1847 J. Paterson (ed.) Ballads and Songs (Series 1) 52:
Ay wicked Claver'se to demean, And ay an ill dead may he die!