Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

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.

For(e)stall, Foirstall, v. Also: foirstaw. [ME. forstalle (1461), AF. forstaller (1353).]

1. intr. To engage in forestalling. 14.. Acts I. 330/2.
At ye ger deliuer to the sheray … the names of the furth duelland forstallaris … byand and selland forstalland Ib. 336/2.
Hukstaris … ar forbyaris of quhete … and turnis in merchandise and thar thai forestall 1424 Lanark & Renf. 283.
That nane sal forstall na by within vthiris schyris … without leve

2. tr. To buy (merchandice) before it is brought to the market. 1540 Reg. Great S. 494/2.
Litteras … mandando … quod eorum nullus emeret, foirstaw, regrait nec cowp lanam. coria, pelles [etc.] 1541 Peebles B. Rec. 59.
Gif ony foirstallaris be apprehended forstalland ony maner of merchandice Ib. 60.
That nane of thame tak vpoun hand to mak ony privat mercate, foirstall, pak, or peill ony gudis vtouth oure said burgh 1599 Fraser P. 115.
Thay … forstallis the guidis and waris … afoir thay be presentit to the said fair 1614 Ib. 117.
To search … be whome the goodis … comeand to the said marcatt ar foirstallin

b. To be ahead of (the market or town) in buying. 1576 Edinb. B. Rec. IV. 47.
That nowther fre nor vnfremen pas furth of the toun … to forstall the mercat 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. 148.
The forestallers … quha forestalles the said burgh, be buying and selling

3. To secure, or pledge, beforehand. 1572 Buch. Detect. K ij.
The mindis of the maist pairt of men weir … forestallit wyth rewardis 1638 Kirkcaldy Presb. 133.
They solemnelie sweare … that they sall not divyd nor foirstale thair voyces [= votes]