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.
Quotation dates: 1386-1400, 1484-1626
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Abstinence, n. Also: abstyn-, abstnence, abstinance, abstinens, -ans, obstinence. [ME. abstinence, -ens (14th c.), OF. abstinence, L. abstinentia.]
1. Abstinence in respect of bodily appetites.a1400 Legends of the Saints xxvii. 348 (til abstinens he gef hym al). Hay I. 250/7 (to hald certane abstinence); II. 133/13 (to be of gude abstinence). a1499 Contemplacioun of Synnaris 314. c1500-c1512 Dunb. xxv. 88 (ȝour pennance and ȝour abstinence). 1562-3 Winȝet I. 27/16 (the ȝe irlie abstinence callit Lentren). 1600-1610 Melvill 182 (a ouk dedicat till abstinence).
2. Abstention from hostilities; truce.1386 Rotuli Sc. II. 85/2.
It is accordit … That ferme trewes abstinence of were and special assurance sal be bytwix thaym 1484 Misc. Bann. C. II. 38.
A Commissyon … for the abstinens of were bytwyen England and Scotland 1517 Acts XII. 37/2.
The abstinence of Were … concludit be ȝowre Grace 1570 Leslie 88.
Becaus ye … nether suld nor may tak peace, treux nor obstinence of weare with your commone enemy, without [etc.]1571 Misc. Bann. C. III. 122.
The putting of thais two Erles in vaird during the Abstinance and treatie
b. Cessation from legal proceedings.1622-6 Bisset I. 168/32.
Trewis and abstinance is takin betuix the parties
c. Abstention from wrong-doing.1617 Urie Baron Ct. 20.
Ilk ane of them becwm cawtioun for wther for their abstinans in tym cwming
