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.
Frequent, a. [e.m.E. (1531), L. frequent-, frequens.]
1. a. Abounding in. b. Of number: Large. c. Numerous.a. 1531 Bell. Boece I. p. xviii.
The erd is now mair frequent in pepil than it was in thay dayisb. 1533 Bell. Livy I. 130/24.
That the pluralitie & frequent nowmer of faderis suld mak the senate … the more pussantc. 1531 Bell. Boece I. 139.
The thevis war … sa frequent … , that thay micht na way be dantit, quhill the woddis war bet down Ib. 174.
Juglouris, quhilkis war richt frequent in thay dayis Id. Livy I. 69/32.
To mak the pepill to resorte with mare frequent habitacioun on the said montane 1533 Boece x. xvi. 396 b.
In the Abbay … convenit ane frequent & honorable auditoure
2. Of an assembly, etc.: Wellor numerously attended. (Common in 17th cent.)1589 Wemyss Corr. 38.
Mynding to haif heir a frequent and solempne assemblie 1596 Dalr. I. 16/24.
Glasgw … the maist renoumed market is sa frequent and of sik renoume 1600-1610 Melvill 50.
The Collage was sa frequent as the roumes war nocht able to receave tham
b. Numerous in respect of attendance.1603 Dundonald Par. Rec. 42.
The Sessioun continevit to decern thairintill quhill the membir var mair frequent 1660 Mackenzie Mem. Affairs Scotl. 19.
The nobility and all the members were very frequent 1680 Lauder Hist. Observes 9.
The peers ware not frequent when it was voted
3. Often repeated or recurring.1531 Bell. Boece II. 215.
The frequent message … hes maid the mater more credible Id. Livy I. 122/26.
Sindri of the nobillis … vsit … to haue frequent bankettis … with vtheris 1585 Reg. Privy C. IV. 24.
Be thair frequent casting of stanes … thay hurte … Marioun Maitland
4. Accustomed, habituated.c1550 Rolland Ct. Venus ii. 478.
To haue entres thair was few men frequent Ib. 911.
Bot weill ȝe knaw, thair is na men frequent To enter heir Id. Seven S. 707.
I beleue he has bene diligent In his studie, and in science frequent
5. Acquainted with something.1608 Crim. Trials II. 321.
I can do na less nor mak ȝour Maiestie frequent thairwith 1615 Highland P. III. 274.
I shall not faill to mak your Lo. frequent with there proceedinges
