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.
Complece, -plese, n. Also: cwmpleich. [Variant of Complice.]
1. A partner or associate; = Complice n. 2.1522 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 105.
Quhow Gelis Monro and his complecis tuk on hand to vphave the sentrice of the brig 1593 Wemyss Chart. 218.
For thame selfis, bairnis, keine, … alye, … compleses, servandis
2. An accomplice in wrong-doing. = Complice n. 1.(a) 1544 Lennox Mun. 245.
All wtheris his compleces quhoies name sal be gevin in bill, to compeir befoir ws a1578 Pitsc. I. 88/11.
In the height of Annerdaill he was taine witht his compleces 1590 Grant Chart. 178.
For the cruell slauchter of … Grant … be Patrick Gordoun … and his compleces 1615 Highland P. III. 176.
To punishe McKintoshe and his complecees(b) 1566 Rec. Earld. Orkney 122.
Iames Irwyne and Iohane Cowpland, with thair compleses reft fra his wyf … ane quy c1550-79 Chron. Fortirgall 135.
Quene Marion was tayne be my Lord of Atholl and his complesis princypell and so was hed til Lochlewin(c) c 1592 Annandale Corr. 27.
Swme of the Couchwmes, … and their cwmpleiches … hes slaine young Mongo of Lokarbie
