Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

FREEHOLDER, n. Sc. Law: a person who, before the Reform Act of 1832, could elect or be elected a member of Parliament, by virtue of holding lands direct of the Crown assessed at or over forty shillings of old extent or £400 Scots of valued rent. Now only hist.Sc. 1702 in C. S. Terry Sc. Parliament (1905) 45:
It was agreed to by the said whole barons and freeholders before proceeding to elect commissioners that whosoever should be elected Commissioners for this ensuing parliament should serve in the said station upon their own charges.Abd. 1760 Aberdeen Jnl. (18 March):
To conveen the Commissioners of Supply and Freeholders, to instruct their Members concerning the Scheme proposed for raising a Militia.Sc. 1779 G. Stuart Public Law 305:
A real freeholder may retain a sufficient qualification for himself; and, if his fortune can bear it, may raise up ten or more qualifications, which he may distribute to his friends, who are to vote by his direction.Sc. 1830 W. Chambers Bk. of Scotland 36:
The rolls of the freeholders are made up every year at the Michaelmas head court, by orders of the sheriff.