Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1707-1741
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†RATIHABIT, v. To express approval of, to sanction. Vbl.n. ratihabition(e), Sc. (from Civil) Law: approval, approbation, sanction.Sc. 1707 Rec. Conv. Burghs (1880) 426:
They made the said violence their own and ratihabit the said restraint.Rnf. 1707 W. Hector Judicial Rec. (1876) 72:
He with Severall of his Council, by his order and allowance, assistance, ratihabition and approbation.Sc. 1728 J. Burnett Crim. Law (1811) 287:
Expressions merely used of approbation, (and which is what the law terms ratihabition of the act).Sc. 1737 Session Papers, Macfarlane v. H.M. Advocate (25 Nov.) 4:
When his Wife heard that others had beat him on the High-road, going to Crieff, she ratihabited the same, and in Joy and Thankfulness for their Deed, treated them with Ale and Aquavitae.Sc. 1741 Acts of Sederunt (14 July):
Others of his causing, sending. . . . Command or Ratihabition.
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"Ratihabit v.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 9 Feb 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/ratihabit>
