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.
Absolve, Absolue, v. Also: absolwe, obsolue. [e.m. E. absolue, -solve (1535), ad. L. absolvere.]
1. tr. To resolve, answer (a question).a1500 Henr. III. 157/41.
This questioun quha can absolue [B. obsolue], lat see a1500 Seven S. 2144.
For to absolue the questioun
2. To absolve ecclesiastically.c1540 Lynd. Kitteis Conf. 31 (absoluit and schreuin). 1567 G. Ball. 176 (he mon be absolvit; v.r. obsoluit). 1562-3 Winȝet I. 135/9 (absoluit fra the former censuris). 1596 Dalr. II. 1/2 (absoluet for pollutioune of the Monaster). 1657 Balfour Ann. I. 41 (The Prior … absolwed the kingdom from interdictione).
3. To acquit judicially.1539 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 162 (the balȝes dischargit and abso[l]uit the personis). 1591 Elgin Rec. II. 18 (absoluit fra forther accusatiounis). 1596 Dalr. I. 123/5 (lat the strukne [be] absoluet).1622-6 Bisset II. 99/20 (the Commisseris obsolved the defender).
4. To finish, complete. 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 259.
He . .was so caried away, as ane without memorie, so that he culd not absolve his mater c1590 Fowler I. 5/14.
You shall the writer & the worker be, For to absolue that Caesar left behinde
