A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Depesch(e, Depesh, v. Also: depech, -pesce, -pisch, dipesch. [e.m.E. depech (1523), late ME. depesshe (1474), OF. depeschier, -pechier.]
1. refl. To rid (oneself) of a person.1513 Doug. i. v. 28 comm.
For his sone Glaucus followit Paris, he depechit him of him
2. tr. To dispatch (ambassadors, etc.) with an answer or the conclusion of an errand; to further or assist in carrying out a mission or transaction.1531 Bell. Boece I. 49.
For that caus, thir oratouris war the more plesandlie depischit of this realme Ib. 97.
The oratouris, depeschit in this maner, returnit to Schrewisbery 1533 Bell. Livy II. 14/31.
Als sone as the legatis war depeschit with this ansuere 1543 Bk. Carlaverock II. 24.
Thar my Lord of Cumberland and he ressavit our plegges and depeschit ws … with dilligens c1550 Rolland C. Venus II. 45.
Sa far as ȝe ȝour mater will propone, It salbe drest, and ȝe ȝour self depesched Id. Seven S. 559.
The lordis of counsall and ambassadouris War than depeschit with plesure & honouris
3. To send on a mission or errand.1546 Corr. M. Lorraine 158.
Monsieur de Lorges depeschit monsieur Douzy toart the kyng 1560 Rolland Seven S. 722.
The messinger beliue depeschit was 1569 Ayr & W. Coll. III. 191.
We haif depeschit him with thir presentis 1576 Digest Justiciary Proc. I. 34.
The said Hew haveing depesched his twa servandis … to vissie and sie about the said place [etc.] a1651 Calderwood III. 507.
To desire my Lord Lennox to be depesched and sent … to his cuntrie of France
4. To send away, banish, remove.1556 Lauder Off. Kings 290.
All sic ye suld from yow depesche Id. Minor P. i. 713.
Wo worth the … flesche, That dois man frome this heuinlie glore depesche 1567 G. Ball. 170.
The seiknes that is in my flesche, Thow may it, Lord, allone depesche
b. To send or move from one place to another.1571 Inverness B. Rec. I. 199.
He hes coft certain pleddis … and hes depescit the samyn to Sant Iohnestoun Ib. 200. 1580 Ib. I. 281.
Quha … landit saiflie in the port of Downe … and depeschit the said leddir out of the boit
