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

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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Essay, n. Also: essey. [e.m.E. essay (1597), F. essai.]

1. = Assay n. 3, 3 b, and 3 c.a. 1592 Acts III. 558/2.
To gett the perfite essey and knawlege thairof 1598–9 Montgomery Mem. 243.
That he be not admittit without ane sufficient essay and pruife of memorieb. 1608 Hilderstoun Silver Mines I. 49 b.
Mettall … to mak ane essay of 1674 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. IV. 126.
The said generall of the coinhouse to try the fynnes of the saids essayes of silver 1647 Douglas Bequest 25 Sept.
That na persoun be mad fremen of thir trades and craftis … till first he … give in his essay to the deacon and craft 1674 Lanark B. Rec. 197.
Neither yet sall they who give in ane essay of the wricht craft allenarlie be admittit to work massone work quhill ane new essay

2. Attrib. with ballance, box, hous, kist, etc. 1608 Hilderstoun Silver Mines I. 49 b.
Stra to cover the essay hous Ib. 54.
Tyld stanes to mak the essay furnace 1609 Ib. 176.
Irne bandis going round about the essay kist Ib. 240 b.
Ane pair of essay ballances 1663 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. I. 451.
The warden, essay master, counter warden [etc.] … to proceid to the working and coining of the saids tuo merk … peices 1674 Ib. IV. 125.
The Lord Chancellour … to passe to his Majesties coinhouse … and there cause be presented and oppened … the essay box