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Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1934 (SND Vol. I). Includes material from the 1976 and 2005 supplements.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

BEST, adj. In best man and best maid — i.e. the groomsman and bridesmaid. The first is said by N.E.D. to be of Sc. origin and is given also by the Concise Eng. Dict. and the Un. Eng. Dict. Gen.Sc.Sc. 1782 J. Sinclair Ob. Sc. Dial. 51:
Best man and best maid. Bride-man and bride-maid.Sc. 1829 Wilson Noctes Amb. (1855) II. 275:
I could greet to think that I canna be the Best Man.Sc. 1994 Sunday Mail (20 Mar.)  28:
Her best maids are already chosen - her sister Irene and best friends Jackie, Jennifer and Joyce. Sc. 2003 Evening Times (19 Jul.)  3:
John and his best man James Leghorn were resplendent in Blue Ramsay kilts.
Sandra's best maid was Maureen Welsh.Sh.(D) 1931 J. J. H. Burgess in Sh. Almanac Companion 185:
Twa men oot o' wir boat's crew wis geen ower ta da majority, an' I wis been best man ta baid o' dem.Abd.(D) 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xxxix.:
It being left to him and the red-haired orra man, . . . to settle who should be “best” and who “warst” young man: and they “drew cuts,” whereby it was decided that the Mole-catcher was not to have the higher post of honour [at the marriage].Per. 1774 Gentleman & Lady's Weekly Mag. (15 April) 382:
A young woman about 18 years of age, was the bride's best maiden.Fif. 1887 “S. Tytler” Logie Town III. xiii.:
With Chirsty Prendergast waiting upon her, the proudest and most devoted of “best maids.”Rnf. 1993 History on your Doorstep, The Reminiscences of the Ferguslie Elderly Forum 38:
When you got married your Best Maid either bought you blankets or a half tea set.