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

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First published 1990 (DOST Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Richt, Rycht, n. Also: richte, rychte, right, ryght; rich, rych, ryth, riht, ryhte; recht, reicht, reycht, reyth; rhycht; wrycth; royght; (rytht). Pl. also (reychtus). [ME and e.m.E. riht (c1205), rihte (Ancr. R.), riȝt (c1250), right (Cursor M.), rythe (1389), also reght (c1410), OE reht, reoht, riaht, rict, ON réttr.Here and in derivatives of richt, in ryt spellings the t, in some if not all instances, may represent superscript t.]Right, or a right.There is, in some contexts, possible ambiguity between senses 6 and 7.

I. 1. A body of laws; a law, a rule.The James VI quot. may properly belong in 7 below. ?1438 Alex. ii 1372.
Gif that I lufe that maidin …, I aucht to lufe all hirris, … For that, I hope, is lufis richt
a1500 Seven S. 269.
Gif … Our enemys mycht knawe That ane suld de withoutin law Thai suld sclander the richt of Rome
a1500 Bk. Chess 1059.
Ligurius … Seand his towne withoutin law or richt … maid xij lawes
1598 James VI Basil. Doron 146/5.
The langsumnes … of richtis & processis breidis thaire … obscuritie

b. A duty; what one ought to do. c1490 Porteous Noblenes 174/24 (Asl.).
In nobilnes the richtis of lawte and treuth ar contenit
1609 Skene Reg. Maj. (Latin) i 23 marg.
The maister sould gar his man do richt

2. That which is morally just or equitable; the principles of justice; right as opposed to wrong or injustice.Freq. placed in opposition to wrang.(1) 1375 Barb. i 214.
For thai dempt thaim efter thar will, Takand na kep to rycht na skill
a1400 Leg. S. xviii 653.
Rycht & resone wil that I … For my lake be put away
c1450-2 Howlat 968 (A).
Fra rule, ressoun and richt redles I ran
1456 Hay I 301/7.
Ire lettis the mannis curage to discerne betuix rycht and wrang
a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 1219.
Now wil I … make thé manrent … As right is, and skill
c1500-c1512 Dunb. (O.U.P.) 99/52.
I cry him lord off evere full … And verralie that war gryt rycht
1535 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 154.
Ane inquest of the best … men to … decerne rycht and vrang
1562-3 Winȝet II 7/2.
This litle tractate … is … an infallible … reul to al richt, an ewin lyne of lawtay [etc.]
a1568 Scott i 11.
This ȝeir sall rycht and ressone rewle the rod
a1570-86 Maitl. F. 342/12.
Rycht and lawtie … sall stand quhill domysday
c1600 Montg. Suppl. iv 59.
Or be quhat equitie or richt, May he on him his rage fulfill?
(2) c1490 Porteous Noblenes 174/7 (Asl.).
Bot thai ar haldin in werray richt and resoun for to serf thair king
(3) a1500 Henr. Bludy Serk 30.
Thair wes nane that he ourtuk In rycht or ȝit in wrang Bot all in schondir he thame schuke
1540 Lynd. Sat. 3369 (Ch.).
That thay … In richt and wrang sal plainlie tak my part
a1570-86 Arbuthnot Maitl. F. 53/151.
I luif justice … Ȝit all my kyn … In richt or wrang I man alwayis mantene

b. To hald (a person or community) in richt, to maintain in a state of right or justice. 1375 Barb. i 118.
A king that mycht Have haldyn veyle the land in rycht
1567 G. Ball. 138.
That Lord … me to hauld in rycht, Hes send ane angell

c. The fact of being in the right. To have richt, to be in the right. 1375 Barb. i 509.
For I wate that I have rycht And rycht mays oft the feble wycht
1456 Hay I 74/24.
Had the pape Clement had rycht his folk had nocht bene in bataill disconfyte
Ib. 279/32.
The prince suld … se be harraldis … quha had rycht quha wrang, and do justice

3. Application of law to individual cases; just treatment; fairness in decision; justice.To do richt, to do justice. To tak richt, ? to obtain a legal ruling.(1) 1375 Barb. xiii 721.
God graunt that thai … manteyme rycht and leawte
14.. Reg. Maj. fol. 5.
The kingis lawys … ar misterfull in the kynrik it to reull ande gowerne for rycht
1452 Murray Kilmacolm 12.
The pure priest thinkis he gets na richt, Be he nocht … callit Schir befoir his name
1456 Hay II 62/19.
For the ire of man makis nocht man to have mare rycht anent Godwart
1490 Irland Mir. I 113/36.
Oft tymes necessite is for werray richt to lefe the wourdis of the law
a1500 Seven S. 2210.
And with that clerly sall ȝe se Quhat rycht of the laif sall be
a1500 Bk. Chess 2045.
The prudens of thir jugis in to richt
a1605 Montg. Sonn. xiv 14.
Let richt, not reif, my pensioun bring agane
(2) 1375 Barb. xvi 606.
Rycht wald with cowartis men did swa
1389–90 Reg. Cambuskenneth 259.
To determe as lauch and richt wald, all actionis betuene [etc.]
a1568 Bann. MS 30a/79.
Rycht wald we suld lufe him agane
(3) 14.. Acts I 36/2.
Quha sa evir that aw to tak rycht or do rycht in the burgh he sal cum to the motis
Ib. 55/2.
Of gret lordis to do rycht of mysdoaris
1456 Hay I 108/29.
Thare may na man tak rycht na resoun at his awin hand, bot he that is … prince of the lawe leve him to do
Ib. 268/1.
Thus aw the lord to … se that rycht war done till every part
c1490 Porteous Noblenes 173/15 (Asl.).
[A noble man] dois to euery man richt without malice, wrange, or iniure
1529 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 99.
This inquest … fyndis that thai have done plane rycht anentis the mater mowit betuix [etc.]
1609 Skene Reg. Maj. (Latin) i 143 marg.
Vocatur in jus vt rectum faciat, to do richt

4. Personified, in sense 2 or 3 above. a1508 Want of Wyse Men 25 (A).
Now, but defense, rycht lyis all desolate

5. In various phrases introduced by prepositions, in senses 2 or 3 above.Of, be, with, throughricht (also (once) richtis), rightfully, properly, lawfully, with justice; according to what is right. Without (aganes, in contrar) richt, unjustly.Till richt, ? in accordance with justice.(1) 1375 Barb. i 159.
The kynryk ȝharn I nocht to have, Bot gyff it fall off rycht to me, … I sall [etc.]
Ib. iv 523.
That that suld be owris off rycht … Thai occupy
1390–1 Acts I 216/2. Hay I 272/15.
In preiudice … of that at aucht of richt & of lauch perteigne til hir in fee & heritage
c1475 Wall. ix 1916.
Wallace statur off gretnes and off hycht, Was jugyt thus be discretioun off rycht
c1500-c1512 Dunb. (O.U.P.) 125/52.
Of mercye and not of rycht I ask ȝou Sir … Sum medecyne gif that ȝe mycht
1513 Doug. xi vii 80.
All that to the schippis langis of rychtis
1550 Douglas Corr. 242.
All thingis that belangis hym of det and of ryth till haif of the said chapell
1556 Lauder Off. Kings 410.
He sall … Do that thyng quhilk accords of rycht
c1590 Fowler II 49/32.
He aucht of richt to be callit a brekkar of the customes
1622-6 Bisset II 183/30.
King Robert … of richt and law succeeded thairto As … air to … his father
1652 Aberd. Sheriff Ct. III 72.
To doe exercise and performe all uther thingis quhatsoevir of richt belonging to the office of shirreff
(2) a1400 Leg. S. xxxiii 643.
Ȝe suld ȝeld lowyng As ws aw wele to do be richt
a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 189.
Thair is na ridand roy, be resoun and right Sa deir welcum
c1475 Wall. ii 237.
Sic reulle be rycht is litill [till] allow
1533 Gau 3/10.
Be richt thay suld hayf callit thayme [etc.]
1567 G. Ball. 143.
Haly is His name be richt
c1590 Fowler I 83/170.
Whose threid by gretar richt suld bene first cutt
1596 Dalr. I 72/2.
Portugal quhilke … be rycht and rasone … is returned to the ald name agane
(3) 1375 Barb. i 209.
With rycht or wrang it have wald thai
c1420 Wynt. iv Prol. 11.
A garland as a crowne sulde be Wndyrstandyn wytht all rycht
a1500 Gol. & Gaw. 1314.
Thoght I myght reif thame with right, rath to my handis
(4) 1375 Barb. i 177.
Degradyt syne wes he Off honour … Quhether it wes throuch wrang or rycht, God wat it
c1475 Wall. iv 16.
Schir Ranald … throw rycht was born schirreff of Ayr
1596 Dalr. I 127/16.
Thay throuch a certane rychte may be called schireffis, nocht created … bot borne
(5) ?1438 Alex. i 2772.
Mair sory Than man that war … Dampned or disherist aganes richt
c1420 Wynt. viii 2368.
How the Kyng Edward off Ingland Agayne rycht [W. Aganis all rycht] in Scotland wes wedand
c1475 Wall. i 71.
In contrar rycht, a king he maid hym thar
1528 Lynd. Dreme 172.
Thare sawe we mony wrangous conquerouris Withouttin rycht reiffaris of vtheris ryngis
(6) 1546 Soc. Ant. XVI 196.
Qhat … uthir plesor that schow may gudly do quhen sche is requiryt be the sayd Thorall tyll wryct[h] and honor

6. The richt, that which is right; justice; truth. Cf. 2 above.To the richt, = till richt, see 5 (6) above.(1) c1450-2 Howlat 262 (A).
Thir fowlis he franyt Of thar counsall in this cais sen the richt thai knewe
c1460 Thewis Wysmen 147.
Thai have thare e euir to the rycht, And euir thar mynd one God
a1500 Henr. Fab. 2330.
I am ane iuge, … Thair is na buddis suld beir me by the rycht
c1475 Wall. v 246.
Schir Jhon Stwart, the rycht for [till] record, In Doune is … cummyn
a1500 Seven S. 2562.
That vtheris … do the richt and falset fle
a1500 K. Hart 665.
To wis the richt and to disvse the wrang
1497 Acta Conc. II 87.
He has promittit … to minister justice … efter the rycht of the mater
1500 Ib. 426.
Be the quhilk the richt and verite of the sammyn may be understandin
?c1500 Rathen Manual 27/1.
We cursis … all thai that vyttandly beris fals vittnes … or kyrkis defravdis of the rycht
1520 Fife Sheriff Ct. 171.
The disputacioun of the richt of the pley of the landis of Petgorno betuix him & James Ramsay
1540 Lynd. Sat. 2394 (B).
For to reforme all thay that makis debaitis Contrair the richt quhilk daylie dois maling
1551 Hamilton Cat. 62.
Quhen the verite and rycht is confermit be it, the lesing is confoundit
1609 Skene Reg. Maj. i 105b.
The richt or the wrang to be knawledged and decrited
1609 Garden Garden 26.
Rander the right and let alone the leaue
(2) 1456 Hay I 271/27.
God schaw the rycht!
c1500-c1512 Dunb. (O.U.P.) 107/29.
God schawis the richt With soir vengence
1560 Rolland Seven S. 6373.
Lawtie and licht, schawis ay the richt
a1568 Scott ii 63.
The harraldis cryd, ‘God schaw the rycht’
(3) 1456 Hay I 180/31.
Than is it to declare quha has the rycht
a1605 Montg. Ch. & Slae 892 (Wr.).
Yea, hee should rather die than yeeld, Though reason had the right
(4) ?1438 Alex. ii 1472.
Now gude dede salbe … loued more than to the richt
Ib. 3622.
To speke of amouris … Demandand and iugeand to the richt [F. Et jugie a son droit]

II. 7. Claim, justifiable on moral or legal grounds, to possess a material or non-material thing, or to do or be (something specified).Chiefly in the phr. to have richt (to or in a thing, also const. infin.).(1) c1391 Reg. Episc. Aberd. I 249.
And had he trowit ony richt he had nocht lattyn it bene vnfollowit in his tyme
1443 Reg. Episc. Brechin. I 96.
Swilk like rycht as thai hafe the … date off the making off this wryt
1456 Hay I 129/26.
That his fader have verray rycht
1509 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 8.
Jonet Browne … to be in the possessioun of the hous aye quhyll anie cum that hes mair rycht then … scho hes
1533 Boece 263.
Iniust inemyis, heriaris of realmez quhare thai had na richt
1570 Sat. P. xxiv 61.
Our cause is just, the king hes kyndly richt
1598 Aberd. Council Lett. I 80.
Your towne can haiff na guid rycht
1632 Cullen B. Ct. MS 6 July.
All vthers … hawing richt flowing frome his ll[ordschip] [Lord Deskfoord]
(2) c1400 Troy-bk. ii 2633.
All richt that I haf in this thing I gif it him
1425–6 Haddington B. Rec., MS in Aberd. B. Rec. (S.H.S.) cxxxv n. 3.
Hafand ful rycht in the land beforsayd
1496 Douglas Chart. 156.
Archibald … has richt in and to the landis of Craufurd
(3) 1389 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 16.
Tha landys … or ony vthir that … Scyr Dauy had rycht to or mycht have had
1456 Peebles B. Rec. I 112.
Geyf ony man wald com within xl dais that had rych to that land
1471 Acta Aud. 12/2.
That scho has na richt to the said landis
1483 Ib. 124*/1. 1488–9 Liber Melros 618.
The abbot and convent … hes verray richt to the erde siluer of the quer of the said kirk
a1500 Seven S. 2672.
To wit quhilk to the bird has richt
1531 Bell. 1531 Boece I 61.
The law couth nocht decerne … quhilk of thaim had maist richt to the crown
1540–1 Elgin Rec. I 59.
That he hes rycht to ane rig of land
c1575 Balfour Pract. 278.
The saidis poindis … sall remane with thame untill the superiour … lauchfullie preive … that he hes gude titill and richt thairto
1579 Edinb. Test. VII 64b.
That the said James … haif na rycht titill nor acclame to the said geir
1620 Wemyss of Bogie MSS.
He hes undoutit richt … to the golden pennie of all … boattis biggit and sauld
1636 Orkney Bp. Ct. MS 98b.
The said compleaner hes good and indoubted richt to the saidis landis
1653 Soc. Ant. XXIII 307.
Dauid Maklellane … pretends to haue right to my lord's girnelhouse
(b) 1562 Montgomery Mem. II 191.
Or at the leist haifand reycht thairto
(4) 1375 Barb. i 46.
To cheys a king … That … mayst had rycht thair king to be
Ib. xiii 724.
Quha-sa clemyt till haf rycht To hald in Scotland land or fe
c1420 Wynt. viii 872.
Quhilk off thai be successyown Mast rycht had to bere the crown
1431–2 Newbattle Coll. 20 March.
As I or myn has … rycht tyl occupy … the lave [of the land]
1605 Inverurie 190.
That no twalff pairt man haif ri[ch]t or power to hold na mair nor sax nowlt
(5) 1456 Hay I 85/24, 29.
Thare is nane sa gude as he that is hardy for defens of gude rycht, … traistand in God and in his gude rycht to bring him throuch
(6) 1439 Soc. Ant. Chart. No. 5.
Al titil off richt bathe petitory and possessory of al the saide landis
1472 Lennox Mun. 87. 1497–8 Acta Conc. II 126.
Without tytil of richt
1499–1500 Ib. 357.
[That they] had na title of richt til tak the sadis gudis
1509 Montgomery Mem. II 72.
The said Erle of Glencarn … sall renunce … all richt and titill of richt, petitiour or possessour, that he … haid … tharto
1542–3 Reg. Privy S. III 12/1.
With all richt, titill, interes, and clame of richt, als weile petitour as possessour
1579 Prot. Bk. J. Inglis
Elezabet Turnour … resignit renunsit & simpliciter ourgaif all reycht titill of reycht kyndnes & possessione … to the … rowme of Corrakis
3 April. 1591 Aboyne Rec. 169. 1592 Prot. Bk. J. Inglis 2 June.
All reycht titill of reycht [etc.] … that thai haid of four oxin gan of land

b. Brefe of richt, a brieve setting up an inquest to determine the title to land. 1425 Soc. Ant. II 386.
Folowars of certane lands with a brefe of rycht
1458 Antiq. Aberd. & B. III 325.
The execucioune of hys office made … apoun a briefe of rycht
1469 Newburgh B. Ct. fol. 39a.
The forsaid Norman followit be a breffe of rycht
1471 Acta Aud. 16/1.
That the procesis of the breif of richt … is vnlachfully … procedit
1503 Acts II 254/1.
The partijs persewand thar land and heretage be the breve of rycht and other brevis pledabill
c1500-c1512 Dunb. (O.U.P.) 153/108.
Swa till his heretage he wan, And entirt be breif of richt
1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Breve de recto.
The brieue of richt was vsed before the iustice generall … in decision of the ground richt and propertie of lands

c. Scotlandis rycht, the right of the Scottish people to national independence. c1475 Wall. viii 658.
Erll Malcome said, that Wallace mycht, … in fens off Scotlandis rycht, … Resawe the croun
Ib. x 147.
Quhar thow durst nocht be seyn Contrar enemys, na mar, for Scotlandis rycht

8. A justifiable or legally proper title or claim to possession of property, or to certain powers, privileges, etc.Also const. of or (in and) to (vnto) (a thing).(1) 1375 Barb. i 78.
He suld that arbytre disclar … And lat him ryng that had the rycht
c1420 Wynt. viii 1444.
Be yhoure sycht Quhilk ware lyk to haffe the rycht?
(2) c1420 Wynt. vii 708.
To the kyrk … he gave … Rychtys, essys, and fredwmys
1490 Irland Mir. II 47/13.
For He had werray ressoune to it be twa maner of richtis
1493 Reg. Episc. Morav. 250.
To perten to the said Lord of Innes saifand all ry[ch]t of bundit chartir gif ony be
1546 Soc. Ant. XVI 196.
All landis and rychtis that ever I aryt or had tytill to
1559 Rec. Earld. Orkney 112.
Ay and quhill the heritable titill haiffaris of the landis of Yensta produce ane bettir titill and richt
1562 Maxwell Mem. I 298.
With all proffitteis … and reychtus pertineyng thairto
1603 Orkney & Shetl. Rec. 222.
Perteining to me … in propper heretage be plaine and sufficient rychtis had thairwppoun
1604 Shetland Sheriff Ct. (ed.) 141.
John Scot … had keipit … ane bow of malt of hiris without ony rycht or warrand
1607 Melrose Reg. Rec. I 31. 1626 Antiq. Aberd. & B. IV 270.
The samyne was allanerlie ane cullorit richt in respect of the saidis pretendit infeftmentis
1628 Dumfries Test. Ia 179.
All vther rycht that may befall her be vertew of her husbandis deceis
c1630 Macfarlane's Geog. Coll. II 190.
Sir Laughlane alleadgeing ane new lease and right be the Kings Controller … and Sir James alleadging ancient right, title and possessioune
(3) c1420 Wynt. viii 3884.
The dwle … Amessyd wes mekill be the rycht, That … fell to thare kyng
1442 Milne-Home MSS 21.
The rhyc[h]tis, fredomis and possessionis of the said Prioure … of Coldynghame
1467 Reg. Dunferm. 358.
This inquisicon … langand the merchis dyvisis and richtis betwix the fischingis of the auld stell … and the fisching of the Calate
1535 Stewart 7683.
To defend the rycht quhilk is my awin
1573–4 Rec. Earld. Orkney 135.
Hir broder quha coft the samin rycht fra hir
1596 Dalr. I 83/17.
And quha leiues with thame … may justlie clayme to thame selfes this rycht and authoritie
1612 Brechin Test. II 213b.
Gif my bearne die that ȝe will lat hir inioy the heretable richt
1681 Dunferm. Hammermen MS 105.
Robert Mill is mead freman & admitted to all the rihts and preveledges of the craft
(4) 1433 Raine N. Durham App. 63.
Apon contrauersis, etc. movid agan Dan Williȝam Drax priour of Coldyngham & the right of the house
1435 Ayr B. Ct. 4 July.
The said Alan sal restoir … the ryhtes … of the twa tenementis of land lahily for franktenement
1479 Acta Conc. I 34/1.
Becaus the declaracon of the richt … standis alutterly apon the richt of the benefice … the lordis referris this accion to the spirituale juge ordinare
1483 Acta Aud. 118*/2.
Anent the richt of the fery bait of the cors ford of Clide
1553 Blackfriars Perth 231.
Anent the clame and ry[ch]t of thair pece grene erd
1577 Aboyne Rec. 130.
In that cais thai sall amit and tyne the rycht of the said benefit
1580 Edinb. Test. VIII 344.
He left the flesche stok, richt, titill & kyndnes of the same to the said Jonet Mure
1587 Reg. Privy C. IV 175.
To caus him renunce … his rycht, kyndnes and possessioun of the saidis landis
1594 Charteris Wall. Pref. 164.
That the decisioun of the richt and tytill of the crowne of Scotland was deferrit to him
1596 Dalr. II 117/29.
Quhen the rycht of the realme of Ingland succeidis to Margaret['s] rychtuous heire
1600-1610 Melvill 604.
Thair is not ane … that hes the rycht, title, and possessioune of ane cow-hous or a caill-yaird, that [etc.]
1611 Scrymgeour Invent. 1.
Ane letter of appoyntment … anent the richt of the landis of … Balrudie
1633 Acts V 47/2.
The wndoubted heretable richt of the offices of admiralitie and chalmerlanrie … does properlie … belong to … James Duke of Lennox
1636 Dumbarton B. Rec. 50.
That the Duke of Lenox hes orgein to his majestie the haill ry[ch]t of the shereffschip of Dunbartane
c1640 Orkney Antiq. Soc. XI 20.
The richt of the desk belonging to … Jon Kennedy
1665 Caldwell P. 62.
The erle … pretends a ry[ch]t of wadsett of the … land of Caldwell
1699 Conv. Burghs IV 292.
The herretable and irredeemable right, propertie and possessione of the milns of Forres
(5) 1407 Charter (Reg. H.) C.O. No. 32.
Swa that … nane … sall ask na haff rycht clayme possessioun na na properte of rycht … in or to the forsaid landys
1447 Edinb. Chart. 68.
Al rycht clame propirte and possessioun that we haue had … in or to the said landis
1472 (1476) Reg. Great S. 257/2.
Archibald … appone his kneis resignit … al richt [etc.] … that he had … in or to the landis of Balbuthy
1472 Bamff Chart. 29.
The rychtis, clamys, and interesse that the said Cristian Mersar … mycht haf to the said annualerent
1489 Charter (Reg. H.) No. 546.
Nothir I nor my airis … may assert … any rycht or cleym … in or to the forsayd landis
1519 (c1580) Edinb. B. Rec. I 190.
And that the saidis personis … had tynt the rychte thairof for evir
1586 Old Ross-shire I 267.
Alexander is alutterlie dischargit of all titill and ry[ch]t to the mains and place of Balnagowin
1593 Reg. Privy C. V 83.
For the rycht and kyndnes quhilk sho had to … Grenesyde as air and equaill portionair thereof
1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Varda.
The superiour, havand the richt and title to the warde and mariage of ane aire
1597 Edinb. Test. XXX 41.
I will my sone William to haif all rycht that I haif to the lairdschip of Lamyngtoun
1622-6 Bisset II 196/5.
Magnus … renunced … all rycht and tytill that he … mycht have … to the foirsaidis Ilis of Scotland
(b) 1563 Montgomery Mem. II 194.
All reicht … that the saidis Hew … had … in and to the channone bailliorie of the channone land
(c) 1658 Dumfries Council Min. 13 Sept.
He sall renunce his title to quhat he now hes royght vnto from this burghe
(6) a1400 Leg. S. xxvii 92.
He gaf of heretable rycht … al that ton In-to fre possessione
1390 Acts I 216/2.
The … lordship perteignys to my wyfe of richt of heretage
c1420 Wynt. vi 2472.
That fell hym noucht be lele lynage, Na be na rycht off herytage
Ib. viii 314.
I am nerrare, Than ony is, to bere the crown Be rycht rycht off successyown
1460 Ayr B. Ct. 12 July.
& of al othir landis & al annuell rentis pertenand … to hir be ony rich of hir said fader
1533 Boece 61.
This kinrik baith be richt of thare fader and me … is to thame dett
1534–5 Linlithgow B. Ct. 22 Jan.
With all … deligens be wan & rycht of law … ordanit his … soun … his … lauchfull & wndouttit air
1562–3 Edinb. Old Acc. II 167.
Burges be richt of his father
1611-57 Mure Early Misc. P. xx 10.
Pretending tytyls … By ry[ch]t hereditar to serve thy grace
(7) 1545 Reg. Privy S. III 211/1.
With … rycht of patronage of the chaiplanrie
1649 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 586.
The Pope … usurped the right of patronage belonging to layicks
1684 Fountainhall Decis. I 313.
Sir Patrick craved power to affix the land-stail of his dam-head on the other side of the river, whereof Linthill has either right of property or commonty
(8) 1622-6 Bisset II 193/34.
Takand his aith that he suld nevir persew … nor seik richt … to Northumerland … frome the impyre … of Scotland
1629 Black Bk. Taymouth 69.
Claiming right to the laird of Glenurquhayis landis … be virtew of ane auld chartar
1683 Decis. Lords F. 29.
Greigstoun … claimed right to the said bond, as executor and legatar by the daughter

b. In phrases, or as the second element of a compound, with preceding noun in attrib. use.For further examples, see Ground-richt n.Fe richt may properly belong to 11 below.(1) 1432 Lamont P. 13.
Thay sall mac na chalans na clam to the grounde right
1498 Acta Conc. II 175.
The accione forsaid … dependis apone the ground richt of the fee and heretage
(2) 1472 Lennox Mun. 90.
Quhen the said erle … dissesyt, the rycht fe [? erron. for fe rycht] deit with him, and the keping of the landys … came into the kingis handis
1519 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 54.
To suer the geis thairis and nocht pertenit to Sir Jhone … nor yet to his fee rycht

c. transf. Applied to the property to which a right or title is held. 1674 Dunblane Synod 105.
Some persones did raise a dead corp after that it was buried and did interre it in another place in the kirkyeard, … their [sc. the Synod's] determinacioun is that both the persones who buried within the ry[ch]t of other men and these who raised the corps be cited unto and censured

9. Only in Orkney and Shetland; (Of, with) richt (and) roith(t, (with) all rights and privileges. See Roth n.

10. With possessive noun or pronoun: The claim or title to (of) a thing, properly made or held by a particular person or group of persons.Also const. of the party claiming.Also, once, in the phr. in (one's) richt.(1) 1375 Barb. ix 747 (C).
Ȝhe suld pres til derenȝe ȝour richt
1442–3 Coldingham Priory 148.
I made til hym intimacion of my richts be ȝour lettres
1456 Reg. Dunferm. 340. 1456 Hay I 113/20.
Thai sall do all … that thair lord commandis thame to do as to the defens of his contree efter his rychtis
c1490 Porteous Noblenes 176/21 (Asl.).
Dampnit and foriugit be justice that gevis to euery man his werray richt
1496 Douglas Chart. 155.
That the said Elizabeth be nocht hurt in hir richt
1514 Facs. Nat. MSS III xi.
The said Nicoll … offerit him the bying of all and haile his richtis. … Alexandir had refusit the bying of his rychtis and heretage
1525 Crawford Mun. Invent. II 8 (26 Jan.).
[The master] sal … defend the said Sir David [etc.] … in thair richtis landis and tenantis aganis all man saif the king
1533 Boece 234b.
Be oure exempill oure successioun may lere to debate baldlie for thare richt
1566 Inverness Rec. I 137.
In default of persoit of his rycht
1575 Edinb. Test. IV 42.
To hald … euerilk ane of his barnes in thair awin richtis
1587-99 Hume 74/205.
The pure …, Few of there right or causses will take keepe, Their proces will sa lang lye ou'r
1661 Aberd. Council Lett. IV 185.
Quich midcuple of thair richt they have omitted out of thair summonds
c1650-1700 Descr. Zetland 19.
Here their lands are counted by lasts, marks & urds, & their best right is esteemed that of the udall right
(b) 1400 Slater Early Sc. Texts No. 49.
& resyngys til hir al my reyth or clame that I hafe in that said land
(2) 1390 Acts I 216/2.
In hurtyng … of my wyvis richt
1456 Hay I 113/24.
He is na gude … knycht that … levis to defend his lordis rychtis
1477 Reg. Episc. Brechin. I 200.
Our souerane lordis rycht and interes in that mater
1502 Treas. Acc. II 151.
To Quintin Focart to by ane man's rycht of Focartoun
1547 Reg. Privy C. I 73.
Without hurt or prejudice of athair of the partiis rychtis
1593 Montg. Suppl. 323.
The persewaris authoris rycht being tane away [etc.]
1618 Haddington Corr. 137.
Sir George Hamiltounis rights gifin be my sone to him of the eirldoume
1681 Stair Inst. iv xiii § 1.
The king's right, as last heir, befalls when a defunct dies, to whom none can be entered heir of line or blood
(3) 1395 MacRae Early Sc. Texts No. 4.
The forsayd Robert sal resyng vp al his rychtis of the landis of Cultyr
1431 Highland P. II 166.
Wyth al his rychtis of the superiorite of the thrid part of Glastir
1545 Glasgow Chart. II 509.
All my rycht, titill [etc.] … in and to my said favouris and kyndnes and rycht of the said … land
1573–4 Reg. Privy C. II 336.
He excambit, interchangeit, and resignit … his rycht … of ane marklend of the Over Wanlopes [etc.]
1601 Edinb. B. Rec. V 279.
To … put fordert the townes richtis of the saidis levingis
1602 Misc. 3 Spald. C. II 61.
And transferit thair tytill and ry[ch]t of all guds geir dettis
16.. Hist. Kennedy 15.
Scho … come to her broder-sone … and gaiff him hir rycht of Bronistoune
1601 Dysart Gleanings 47.
That na thing … be prejudicial to his ry[ch]t and titles he hes to the said landis
(4) 1456 Peebles B. Rec. I 117.
And to thar arris lachful, safand ilk manis rych
1479 Highland P. II 185.
Saufande ilk manis rych
1479 Dunferm. B. Rec. I 21.
Saifand all mans rey[ch]tis
1510 Ib. 358.
Saiffing euiry mannis rychtis
1535 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 154.
And … sessing is gevin, sauffand all menes rychtis
(5) 1398 Acts I 211/1.
The fredume & the rycht of the kirke to kepe wndamyste
?1438 Alex. ii 2081.
Of eld it is the richt For to be crabed day and nicht
c1515 Asl. MS I 192/23.
Throw the titill and richt of Edmond Irnsydis sonis dochter
?a1500 Steel Roy Robert 54.
Thocht Johine Balȝoun maid ane band Contrair the richt of fayr Scotland
1530 Edinb. B. Rec. II 33.
The richtis resonis [etc.] … of … the … partiis … considerit
1569 Events Q. Mary & Jas. VI 33.
The rythis, rassonis and allegatiounis of bayth the said parteis
1634 Dumbarton B. Rec. 45.
The saids … baillies … inactis thaimselffis to defend the ry[ch]tis, privileges [etc.] … of this burgh
(6) ?1438 Alex. ii 2322.
Be God of mycht, Ȝe haue mare conquerit in ȝour richt Than Priam … Tynt

11. That which one may justly claim as one's due; esp., an amount due, dues.(1) ?1438 Alex. ii 3277.
God wat he payis his richt
1432 Highland P. II 173.
Ful powere … to distrenȝe and punde the tenands of Menstry for ony malis, wnlawis, or ony othir rychtis
1456 Hay I 130/23.
Gif a man haldis benefice of the kirk to defend the kirk and the kirk rychtis
Ib. 5/11. 1478 Acta Aud. 75/2.
And that the said som ȝerly of the said v ȝeris was takin vp & is the kingis rycht for the nonentre of the said aire
c1500-c1512 Dunb. Tua Mar. W. 310.
He maid me ryght hie reverens fra he my rycht knew
c1552 Lynd. Mon. 4732.
Tyll thay gett sufficient souerte For thare kirk rycht and dewite
1558–9 Statut. Sc. Ch. 158.
And the silvir commonlie callit the kirk richts
1600–2 Montrose Treas. Acc. (see Land-richt n.).(2) a1500 Henr. Orph. 584.
Thow ma [not] … with thi spaying reif fra Him [sc. God] his richt
1562-3 Winȝet II 39/3.
The Catholik Kirk, vnderstanding bayth richt of God and of our Saluiour [etc.]

12. To tak (one's) rychtis, to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist.Cf. ME and e.m.E. rightes (c1400), also riȝt (a1330), = the last sacraments of the Church, appar. obs. in this sense after 1509. Connected by OED with sense 11 above. 1490 Treas. Acc. I 171.
On Payce day … quhen the king twke his rychtis
1492 Ib. 198.
On Payce day … the kingis offerrand quhen he twke his rychtis in the mornyng

III. 13. A document setting forth evidence in support of a right; a title-deed.(a) 1478 Acta Conc. I 4/2.
To compere … with the evidentis & richtis that … he wil vse in the mater
1488 Paisley B. Rec. 26.
Al charteris, euidentis, documentis and rychtis as thai wil use for the declaration of the verite in the saidis caus
1489 Antiq. Aberd. & B. II 265.
His richtis ressonis allegationis and productioune of witnes … sene hard and vndirstandin
1498 Acta Conc. II 202. 1529 Linlithgow B. Ct. 24 Nov.
And warnis al pertis … to bryng thair rychtis with thaim the said day as thai will wyne & tyne
1529 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 102.
That bath the parteis produce and schaw thair rychtis, clames and propertteis thai have in to the said tenement … and all utheris evidens nedfull
1561–2 Reg. Privy C. I 196.
To … produce sik richtis, writtingis, and documentis … for verefying of thair content in the said mater
1590 Ib. IV 800.
[Inhabitants of the Debateable Lands] to mak sic honest and gude offers for new title and richt to be maid unto thame of sic partes of the saidis landis as they cleame to the possessioun and kyndnes unto
1600-1610 Melvill 5.
I … delyverit him my pices and rights of vicarage and stipend
1611 Misc. Maitl. C. I 338.
The richtes and evidentes … lyand in the hands of Hew Peiblis, nottar publick, my agent in Edinburch
1617 Acts IV 579/1.
Specifeit … in the rightis and infeftmentis maid to the said burgh thairvpoun
1618 Aberd. Council Lett. I 156.
To send thair commissioneris … with their rychts and securaties to answer the said mater
1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 164.
Like the man who will not be content with rights to bought land, except he get also the ridges and acres … to carry home with him
1666 J. M. Beale Fife Schools 161.
[He was imprisoned] for deteaning and keiping up the kirk's registers and ry[ch]tis
1681 Kirkcudbr. B. Rec. MS 19 Oct.
To redelyver the samyne wpon demand with all other wryts and richts he hes in his custodie concerning the toune
1685 Decis. Lords F. 77.
A new right … : lest it should be interpret to be to the behove of the pupil … the same has been destroyed
1686 Dunblane Synod 220.
Mr. John Edmondston … [is] to receive the decreits of localatie and other emolumentarie richts from the brethren within the Presbyterie of Dunblane
1693 Irvine Deeds MS (Dispn. Francis & Baillie to Gray).
And haill rights and wrytes abovespecified
(b) 1517 Selkirk B. Ct. (ed.) 42.
Batht the parteis to bring thair rechtis and allegeancis batht anent barne, and ather to ansuer to uder of all materis

IV. 14. At (also be) all richt, in all richtis, in every respect.Be ony richt, in any respect, in any way.(1) 1375 Barb. x 317.
The castell … wes warnyst wonder weill With men and wyttalis at all rycht
a1500 Rauf C. 686.
Greit squechonis on hicht, Anamalit and weill dicht, Reuilit at all richt Endlang the hall
?1438 Alex. ii 498.
And with him weill x thousand knychtis To help … vs in all richtis
?1438 Alex. ii 1567.
Ȝe byrd be douchty be all richt
(2) ?1438 Alex. ii 3210.
And asked thame how that he micht Pleis the chyld be ony richt

15. At (also, once, of) richt, properly, rightly, aright. = Aricht adv.Also (only in Doug.) at richtis.(1) 1375 Barb. xiii 291.
[Fyve] hunder armyt all at rycht
?1438 Alex. ii 3759.
Lo here ane lytstar wele at richt
c1400 Troy-bk. i 584.
He thame [sc. the planets] maid … To kepe thar kindely course at rytht
c1420 Ratis R. 1434. c1475 Wall. iv 278.
He ȝarnys nocht tyll his reward And leif nocht resone wil at rycht
1513 Doug. xiii vi 15.
A thousand worthy men walit at rycht
1540 Lynd. Sat. 414.
Placebo, rewll our roy at richt
1560 Rolland Seven S. 55.
Ane empreour was … Quhilk hecht to name Pontianus at richt
a1570-86 Maitland Maitl. F. 306/36.
Ane remedie [they] wald sone devys and set all thing at rycht [Maitl. Q. aricht]
1513 Doug. iii vi 22.
Al … godly wightis Schew we suld haue a prospir rays at rychtis
(2) 1375 Barb. xiv 171.
That nycht the Scottis cumpany War wachit [rycht weill] all at rycht
c1420 Wynt. iv 228.
Hys ger was flamand all at rycht
c1475 Wall. iv 224.
About that hous thai spyit all at rycht
1513 Doug. ix ix 12.
A towr of tre … With battellyng and kyrnellys all at ryght
1535 Stewart 50343.
Thair bed … With bed and bowster arrayit all at richt
1501 Doug. Pal. Hon. 1440.
And mony worthie wichtis Befoir the ȝet arrayit all at richtis
(3) 1494 Loutful MS 5b.
The admirall of richt is ane office that suld ring and be exersit be the sey to war

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"Richt n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 22 Nov 2024 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/richt_n>

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