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.
Eminent, a. Also: emen-, emanent. [ME. emynent (c 1440), e.m.E. eminent, L. ēminens.]
1. Outstanding, urgent; important.1523 Acta Conc. MS. XXXIII. 195.
Now in emenent tyme of danger … has left … tua pur bodyis in it 1525 Douglas Corr. 106.
Throw emenent besynes and impedimentis that occurrit for the tyme Ib. 107.
For emanent besynes I had ado towart the Kingis grace c1550 Rolland C. Venus i. 892.
Thairfoir copie requyris goldin rent, Becaus it is sa eminent actioun Ib. iii. 845.
Quhiddir gif chestitie Be not … mair digne and eminent Than Venus warkis
2. Imminent. (Also Eng. 1600–1722.)1583 Edinb. Test. XIII. 52.
Mairiorie Fynlasoune … persaving the last houre eminent … makkis … hir last will 1591 Ib. XXIII. 27 b.
The said William Scott, … persawing the last hour emanent, … makis his testament 1628 Reg. Privy C. 2 Ser. II. 325.
Upoun eminent danger of invasioun 1665 Carstaires Lett. 157.
Yet to cast your self in such eminent hazard is a wrong