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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.

(Attaint,) Attent, v. Also: attaynt, attant; atteint. [ME. attaynt (c 1340), atteynt, atteint, etc., e.m.E. attaint, OF. ataint, ateint, p.p. of ateindre to attain, reach.]

1. tr. To discover, find out. 1474 Edinb. B. Rec. I. 29.
Quha that beis fundin or attayntit brekand schepe skinnis on the ryme sidis … sal be brouch[t] … before the prouost 1560 Rolland Seven S. 89/9.
Than ȝe may weill persaue quhair that sic thing Be attayntit, quhair ony persoun murnis, Thay ar gyltie

2. To accuse, make charges against. 1513 Doug. x. ii. 94.
Now, al to layt, with thyne iniust complantis Aganyst ws thou rysis, and attantis Ib. xii. Prol. 281.
I … thocht I wald na langar ly in May, Les Phebus suld me losanger attaynt

3. To convict, spec. of high treason; to subj ect to attainder. 1585 Acts III. 400/2.
Ony suspicioun or cryme quhairvpoun the … erll of Gowrie was attented 1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v.
Ane Iudg being convict, or attaynt of taking of budds, or of partialitie 1600-1610 Melvill 626.
The Judge … ordainit the prisouneris, attentit and convict, to be returneit to thair waird 1610 Misc. Hist. Soc. II. 153.
Our leevings & landis war al disponit to vthers & wee forfaltit or atteintit

4. To prove (a charge). 1530–1 Acta Conc. MS. XLII. 52.
Geif the contrar be attentit apon thaim, thai nevir to haif enteres agane 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. ii. 21.
Gif it be otherwaies attainted (or proven)

5. To infect or taint. 1531 Bell. Boece II. 102.
That he suld fall in Pelagius heresyis; howbeit all othir Scottis kingis afore him war nevir attentit with sic thingis