Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1709-1751
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FAMOUS, adj.. Also †fawmous (Abd. 1875 W. Alexander My Ain Folk 181). Sc. Law: of witnesses, of good report, of respectable, unexceptionable character (Sc. 1808 Jam.); in non-legal usage (m.Lth.1 1952). Occas. of things: fit, proper.Lnk. 1709 Minutes J.P.s. (S.H.S.) 67:
The said pursuer adduced dilligence against diverse famous wittnesses.Fif. 1748 in A. Laing Lindores Abbey (1876) 296:
Ordains him . . . in fair sunshine and before a good many famous honest men in the place, to goe to the public Cross of Newburgh.Abd. 1751 J. Cranna Fraserburgh (1914) 47:
The three legs [of pork] libelled which were found to be full of leiper grotts and none of it famous for being disposed to sell.
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"Famous adj.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 18 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/famous>
