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

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About this entry:
First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Becaus, adv. and conj. Also: because, becawis. [ME. because, also bi and by cause: see Caus n.]

1. For the reason that. c1400 Troy-bk. ii. 151.
Because that … the peple wald rusche … One thame c1450-2 Howlat 20.
Because that thir hartes in heirdis cuth huf a1500 Doug. K. Hart 907.
Becaus that thow my barne-heid kend 1567 Antiq. Aberd. & B. III. 22.
Because that the Maister is constable

2. On account of, by reason of. c1420 Wynt. v. 3675.
Becaus off thi gret wodnes 1456 Hay I. 33/5.
Be caus of this divisioun a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 1316.
Because of yone bald berne c1515 Asl. MS. I. 190/29.
Becaus of Mordredis richt 1541 Treas. Acc. VIII. 125.
Becaus of ane vent in the cuppeling 1564 Reg. Morton I. .
Becawis of the Erll of Lenox incwming

3. conj. Inasmuch as, since. 1453 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 403.
Becaus he schew na letteris … thareapon 1456 Hay I. 7/6.
Be caus it is mare … perilous thing 1488 Dunferm. B. Rec. 5.
Be caus the said breff was lauchfully proclamyt c1500-c1512 Dunb. xiv. 33.
Becawis thai spend the pelf 1531 Bell. Boece II. 297.
Becaus the samin was ane hie solempne day a1578 Pitsc. I. 2/19.
Becaus he is bot ane ȝoung scholar