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.
Curiosité, -itie, n. [e.m.E. curiositie, ME. -ité (Chaucer, etc.), OF. curioseté, L. cūriōsitas.]
1. Refinement, elegance, or fastidiousness in language, manners, dress, etc.a1508 Kennedy Pass. Christ 58.
In this proces I think als comounly For till exclud all curiosite 15.. Clar. v. 1885.
The minstrellis sang with curiositie c1550 Rolland C. Venus i. 89.
His Spainȝe cloik … Betakinnit ȝouth and curiositie Id. Seven S. Prol. 1.
Sen into courts is curiositie, Manheid, maners, nurtour and courtasie
2. Over-refinement or subtlety of thought.1558 Q. Kennedy Tractive 100.
Quha … hes evir socht … avancement of thare awin glore, curiositie, and opinioun 1562-3 Winȝet I. 44/24.
Vain babling of Godis worde … in contentioun and curiositie a1570-86 Arbuthnot Maitl. F. xxx. 57.
Knawlege of God is [regarded as] curiositie
3. Desire for information.1558 Q. Kennedy Tractive 229.
We wyll schaw gude wyll to satisfie thare curiositie sumpart
