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 1986 (DOST Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Police, v. [F. policer (1461 in Godef.), in 16th c. also politier, policier, to improve, embellish (a town), to govern, to civilise, e.m.E. police (1589) to order or regulate (a state). (Cf. also Polis v. 2 and 2 b.)] tr. To improve or develop (land) by cultivation and planting. (Cf. Policie n. 5 and 6.) — 1535 Stewart 23294.
The nobillis … But thame [sc. the common people] micht nother police nor ȝit plant Ib. 24443.
And gaif thame [sc. the Saxons] landis … To plant and police quhair thame lykit best