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.
Afore-hand, Afoir-hand, adv. [ME. aforehande (c 1375). See Afore prep. 2 and Hand n.]
1. In hand; at disposal.1544 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 194.
Baith of thair commound gudis … and all wther maner of fre moné thai haue afor hand
2. Beforehand; in advance.1552 Stirlings of Keir 405.
Money be him pait and deliuerit afoirhand 1569-73 Bann. Memor. 27.
That we suld afoir hand opinlie … be heard 1593 Acts IV. 41/1.
That it may be vndirstand and knawne afoirhand
