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.
Drift, v. [f. Drift n. 3.]
1. tr. To subject (a person, action, etc.) to delay; to bar by delay.1569 Reg. Privy C. II. 29.
Thinkand to drift the saidis complenaris of ony executioun of the saidis decreit and lettres 1576 Ib. 571.
Scho is driftit and delayit [in receiving satisfaction] to hir havy dampnage and skayth 1588 King Cat. 8.
To drifte vniustlye the pure mans causse and haiste the riche mans 1591 Bruce Serm. V 7.
Suppose hee drifted and delayed the effect of his prayer 1629 Boyd Last B. 87.
What rest shall his wearied soule get all this night, if thou delay and drift him vntill morrow 1638 Bk. Pasquils 85.
Quhat inlaw and resonne is bot craved From tyme to tyme we see the same bot drifted
2. To drift time, to make delays.1585 Misc. Wodrow Soc. 434.
To drift time awhile, and to promise [etc.] 1589 Maxwell Mem. 164.
My Lord … hes driftit tyme with me, that I am compellit to seik the law for my avine a1597-1617 Hist. Jas. VI 199.
The Erle of Gowrie driftit tyme four or fyve monethis efter thair absence 1676 W. Row Blair 414.
Their desiring some space of time was only done of purpose to drift time
3. intr. To delay (to do something).1584 Reg. Privy C. III. 681.
[Divers still] driftis and delayis to inbring the saidis kyndis of allayed money 1588 King Cat. Conf. 3.
To drift to do poenance for oure sinnes quhil the houre of deathe c1590 Fowler I. 182/12.
Thow scoffs, I scorne, thow drifts, I disallow
