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.
Fraction, -ioun, n. [e.m.E. and F. fraction, L. fractio. The sense appears to be peculiar to Scottish.] a. A proportional payment for horses furnished for military service. b. A certain number of persons required to furnish and pay a leader of horse.1658 Melrose Reg. Rec. I. 191. [72 l.
[36 l. Scots] for the fraction of three trowps horse … , the yeire of God 1650 Ib.
Scots] for the fractiounes of thrie trouping horse 1671 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. III. 390.
The compleaner was ordered and inrolled to be leader for ane horse and had certain fractiones appoynted to be payed in to him 1688 Ib. XIII. 353.
There is one thing which hinders the fractions from sending out there leaders Ib.
I desier your Lordship would graunt ane order for quartering on such fractions as refus to pay the leaders 1696 Stirling B. Rec. II. 84.
The baillies … [to] take ane exact list of the whole inhabitants, and thereafter to appoint leaderis of fractions, and such fractionis to put out a man
