A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Abatement, Abaitment, n. Also: abayt-, abaitt-, abeat-, abetment. [e.m.E. abatement (16th c.), OF. abatement, f. abat-re Abate v.]
1. Relaxation, recreation, amusement.1513 Doug. v. Prol. 45.
Quha so lyst seyr glaidsum gemmys leyr, Ful mony myrry abaytmentis followis heir 15.. Clar. v. 1889.
Thay raise from the suppeir And newlie gois to thair abaitments Ib. 2688; etc.
The tounschip … Met them … With intermeisis and blyth abaitments
2. Reduction, decrease.1657 Peebles B. Rec. 397 (tuelve punds sterling of abaitments). 1657 Glasgow B. Rec. 363 (the abeatment of the tounis cese [= cess] of seaven pund).
