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.
Birlaw, Birla(y, n. Also: byrlaw. [e.m.E. byerlaw, ME. byrelawe (1483), birlawe (1292), birelaȝe (1257), app. ON. *býjar-lǫg town-law. Forms in -lay, -ley also occur in e.m.E.; cf. Birlawman,n. and see also Barlaw, Bourla(w)man, and Burlaw.] Birlaw court, a neighbourhood court for the settlement of differences or complaints.1597 Skene Verb. S. s.v. Burlaw.
In the courtes, called the Byrlaw courts, in the quhilk cognition is taken of complaints betuixt nichtbour & nichtbour 1602 Colville Parænese Ep. 23.
As far … exceding your Synods as a gret parlament doth exceid a poor birla court 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. 74 b.
Birlaw courts … are rewled be consent of neighbours 1609 Hume 181/598.
Civill men haif your Assembleis ower justlie in derisioun and contempt, comparing them to Birlay courtis, where is much jangling
