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.
Affirm(e, v. [e.m.E. affirme (early 16th c.), F. affirmer, L. affirmāre. Cf. the earlier Afferm.]
1. tr. To confirm, ratify.1531 Edinb. B. Rec. 52 (certane statutis to be affirmyt be ws). 1534 Bamff Chart. 66 (ratifeit and affirmit).
b. To ‘fence’ (a court).1531 Reg. Privy S. II. 123/1.
With power to him … chalmerlane courtis … to set, begin, affirme, hald and continew 1537 Antiq. Aberd. & B. II. 366.
The court beand lauchfully affirmit 1629 Misc. Spald. C. V. 219.
The suittis callit, … and the court lawfullie fencit and affirmit 1686 Ib. V. 234.
2. To assert, maintain (that, etc.).c1420 Wynt. v. 2865 (he affirmyt that … ). c1460 Wisd. Sol. 423 (that I affirmyt to be … ). 1558 Q. Kennedy Tractive 118 (heretikis affirmand thare heresyis). 1560 Rolland Seven S. 296/4 (I sweir and als affirmes surelie that … ). 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. i. 68 (affirmand her to be oppressed be him).
