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.
Quotation dates: 1513-1626
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Exploratour, n. [ME. (c 1450), e.m.E. -ator, L. explōrātor.] A scout or spy; an emissary or collector of information. (Freq. in 16th c.) 1513 Doug. i. viii. 146.
I sall forsuyth exploratouris send to spy In ony wod gyf that he be vpdryve 1531 Bell. Boece I. 104.
Vespasian … was advertist by his exploratouris, that Caratak … had renewit his army 1540 Criminal Trials I. 228.
Thay, wnderstanding be thair exploratouris, that the King was moveid [etc.] a1578 Pitsc. I. 73/4.
George Douglas … gat knawledge be the exploratouris that the Inglischmen was come in Annerdaill 1622-6 Bisset I. 66/20.
He directit his exploratouris … to reporte to him in writt the formes and lawes thairoff
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"Exploratour n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 13 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/dost/exploratour>
