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 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Stevin, Stevyn, Stewin, Stewyn, n.³ [ME steuene (a1225), steuin (14th c.), stewin (1543), OE stefn, ON stefna a summons, citation.] a. A command, decision. b. An appointment, only in the phrase unset stewin, without prior arrangement, by chance. —a. 1448–9 Aberd. B. Rec. MS V i 29 (8 Feb.).
To be chargeit and depone be thair athis how that it was decretit ordanit and gevin owte be the wit and stevynnys of the moy in Flaundris anente the lottyng of the schippmennys furyngis 1448–9 Aberd. B. Rec. MS V i 29 (8 Feb.).
It was ordanit … be the forsaid stevynnes and wit of the moy that the schipmennys furyngis suld be free of lottyng c1475 Wall. vii 232.
Vengeance off this throuch out that kynrik ȝeid, Grantyt wes fra God in the gret hewyn, Sa ordand he that law suld be thair stewyn To fals Saxons for thair fell jugement —b. a1570-86 Maitl. F. 236/24.
We may meit oft syis at vnset stewin a1605 Montg. Misc. P. v 47.
For man may meit at unsetstevin, Thoght montanis nevir meitis