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.
Provin, -en, ppl. adj. [Strong p.p. of Prev(e v.1; only Sc., and in earlier use only in Bellenden. Cf. Previt and Provit.] a. Of a person: Tried or tested, approved, trustworth. b. Confirmed by test, proven (virtue). c. Legally proved (to be as stated); legally confirmed (as valid or true).a. 1531 Bell. Boece I 285.
It is mair sowndand to the verite to follow mony provin and attentik authouris [L. multi probati authores] in … oure historieb. 1531 Bell. Boece I 60.
Sum of his capitanis, for thair provin vassalage, war promovit to publik officis Ib. II 232.
Fothadus, bischop thairof, ane man of provin virtew and clemence Id. Livy I 141/13.
May thair nevir be sa provin vertew [L. spectrata virtus] amang ȝow Ib. 151/16, 159/32, II 73/27.c. 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. ii 37.
Justice salbe done vpon him as ane proven theif [L. latrone probato] 1653 R. Baillie Dissuas. Vind. (1655) 63.
This is no answer to a proven challenge
