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.
Blason, Blasoun, v. Also: blasone, -owne, blassoun, blasyn, blaison. [F. blasonner (15th c.), f. the noun. So e.m.E. blason, blasen (1534), blazon.]
1. tr. To describe in heraldic terms.c1420 Wynt. iii. 727.
For to blasowne into were … Armys off thaire awncestry c1450-2 Howlat 347.
The Papis armes at poynt to blason & beire; As feris for a persewant Ib. 631.
I leif thaim blasonde to be with harraldis hende a1499 Contempl. Sinn. 708.
His pursewantis prophettis & prechouris can compere, As his forrydaris his banere blasynnyng
2. To describe or give account of, esp. in terms of laudation; to proclaim with praise; to discourse on.a1500 Colk. Sow i. 122.
I keip not now to commoun All beistes for to blassoun, Of thair diuers naturis, Complexionis and cullouris 1513 Doug. i. Prol. 329; Ib. ix. xii. 117.
By hym perfytly blasons he All wirschip, manhed, and nobilite Ib. xiii. Prol. 166.
Forthirmor to blason this new day c1500 Rowll Cursing 209.
To paynt, portour or blasoun Thair forme & thayr feyndly fassoun 1531 Bell. Boece II. 471.
Quhen the herald of Ingland had blasonit this Erle David, for ane vailyeant and nobil knicht 1549 Compl. 14/25.
Ther is diuerse men that can blason the veyris in the tauerne or at the fyir syde a1578 Pitsc. I. 232/15.
The harrottis blasonitt him to be the best justar and rynnar of the speir in the realme
3. To proclaim with derogation or reproach. Also absol.a1570-86 Maitl. F. lxxxviii. 40.
Blasone thai will, how ever ȝe behaue ȝou a1585 Maitl. Q. lxii. 2.
Quhat faithfull hairt dois not for sorrow burst To heir thair realme blasonit and blasphemit? 1639 Sir T. Hope in Misc. Hist. Soc. I. 109.
I haif iust ressoun to blasone my good sone, for he wes askit and refusit
