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.
Accuse, Accuis, v. Also: accus(s), acuis(s). [ME. accuse(n), acusen (c 1300), OF. acuser, L. accūsāre.]
1. tr. To accuse, bring a charge against.c1420 Wynt. v. 5036 (quhen the gud knycht accusyd wes). 1456 Hay I. 73/30 (suppos I accuse a man). a1500 Henr. Fab. 655 (accusand his conscience). a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 977 (Crist was accusit in presens of Pylat). c1500-c1512 Dunb. lxxii. 123 (conscience me accusit). 1549 Compl. 2 (quhen thai var sinisterly accusit). a1570-86 Arbuthnot Maitl. F. xxx. 175 (than I accuis my fortoun). 1596 Dalr. I. 219/2 (gif thay was agane accuiset).
b. Const. of (the crime, etc.) or for.a1400 Leg. S. xi. 358 (the dekyne that thai accusit of sic thinge). c1420 Wynt. v. 342 (hym gert he of jugement fals accusyde be). 1456 Hay I. 73/10 (twa brethir was accusit of thift). 1468 Lindores Abbey 163 (accusit for wrangus accusyn). 1514 Edinb. B. Rec. 152 (accusit for slauchter). 1562-3 Winȝet I. 83/14 (quhy accuis ȝe ws of idolatrie?). 1596 Dalr. I. 264/2 (he sal be accuisset of traison).
2. To challenge, object to.a1500 Henr. Fab. 1194.
Quhen that the Iuge on this wyse wes accusit He bad the parteis cheis … Twa arbeteris
3. To prosecute (a charge).1509 Reg. Privy S. I. 278/1.
A Remitt … to James Traill … for all actioun and crime … howevir it be folowit and accusit
