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.
Difference, -ens, n.1 Also: -ance; defference, -ens, -ance, -ans. [ME. difference (1340), -ens, defference, etc., OF. difference, -ance, L. differentia.]
1. Difference, diversity, distinction.(a) 1456 Hay I. 88/10 (distinccioun and difference betuix gude and evill). Ib. II. 156/6 (but ony favour or difference of personage). c1460 Wisd. Sol. 693 (the gret differens betuex wisdome and foly). 1513 Doug. i. viii. 141 (betwix a Troiane and ane Tyrriane na differens). 1531 Bell. Boece I. 195 (ane braid difference betwix us and thaim). c1552 Lynd. Mon. 2347 (no difference frome the Gentilis idolatrye). a1578 Pitsc. I. 65/16 (they put no difference betuix wrang and right).(b) 1456 Hay I. 277/11 (till have sum defference amang nobleis). Ib. 279/1 (be the defference of armes). 1461 Liber Plusc. 384 (the deferans betuein resoune and sensualite). c1460 Wisd. Sol. 432 (the defferens betuex wisdome and foly). 1493 Acta Conc. 293/1 (certane deferance betuix the new extent & the auld). 1549 Compl. 107/22 (the grit defferens betuix there naturis).
b. A distinguishing feature in a coat of arms.c1450-2 Howlat 600.
Ane nothir, erll of Ormond, also he bure The said Dowglas armis, with a differens c1420 Wynt. vii. 966 (W).
The erlis aire scho wes but faill, Foroutin differens or taill 1561 Antiq. Aberd. & B. III. 502.
Thar is sindry gentill men … of that surname … berand armes with differens aither fra vthir
2. A question or doubt; a dilemma.1456 Hay I. 133/18.
Thare is a were apon the quhilk the doctour makis a difference, quhethir [etc.] Ib. 183/19.
The said knycht is in a difference: to enter to sauf his ath, or to absent him to sauf his lyf
3. A disagreement or dispute.1572-5 Diurn. Occurr. 308.
We … referris the differences betuix ws … to the arbitriament of the … king of France a1578 Pitsc. I. 254/16.
It sall nether be … land, rent, nor richeis that sall stand betuix him and me in differance 1591 Edinb. B. Rec. V. 55.
The difference betuix the toun and the Kirk of Leyth tuiching the richt of the kirkyaird thairof
